977.4 ,M. l-
M58m V.25 1894 1144453
GENEALC COLLECTION
■J
Digitized by tine Internet Arcliive in 2013
littp://archive.org/details/micliiganhistoric25micli
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
■ — — /
COLLECTIONS AND RESEARCHES
I
MADE BY THE
Hiclipn Ymm ui Historical Sode
LANSING
BOBBBT SMITH & CO., STATE PRINTERS AND BINDERS 1896
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1896, by the
MICHIGAN PIONEER AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY, In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C.
PREFACE.
1X44453
In presenting volume 25 of the Michigan Pioneer and Historical Collections to the public, the Committee of Histories bring to a con- clusion the valuable history contained in over six thousand pages of copies of original documents from the Canadian Archives obtained at Ottawa. These papers are partly contained in volumes 9, 10, 11 and 12, and volumes 15, 16, 19, 20, 23, 21 and the present numbar are entirely devoted to this very interesting line of history. By perusing these volumes the reader will discover how near Michigan came to being lost as a portion of the United States, that it might be added to the present Province of Ontario, and will also learn the very close connections existing during the final years of the last century between the British and the Six Nations of Indians, through whose aid this result was sought.
It is proper at this time to state that this valuable matter was obtained mainly through the efforts of Colonel Michael Shoemaker, recently deceased, who devoted a number of years to collecting the same and seeing that they were properly given to the public through this source. While much space has been given in our volumes to this subject, your committee are satisfied that a pioneer history of our State would not be complete without it, and it will be of interest for all time to the student of history, and as more than one hundred years have passed since the original of these papers were written, we trust that their value may increase and be appre- ciated during the years that are yet to come by being preserved in these printed volumes.
Henry H. Holt, Muskegon, L. D. Watkins, Manchester, J. WiLKiB Moore, Detroit, Gerrit J. DiEKEMA, Holland, Cyrus G. Luce, Coldwaier,
Committee of Historians. Lansing, Mich., February 20, 1896, ^
/
CONTENTS.
Page
Pbsfaoe- , iii
Contents ▼
IliLUSTBATIONS:
Map of the Battlefield of Angast 20, 1794 86
Map Bhowing the proposed parchaee of twelve miles sqaare. 104
Map of part of the entrance to Detroit River 116
Map of the Straits of St. Mary 118
Map showing property on Detroit Biver _ 23S
Plan of the Fort at Detroit at the time of its surrender, Aagnst 16, 1812 _„ 832
Map of the Straits of St. Mary's and Michilimackinao _ „ 625
Map of the north shore contiguous to the Palis of St. Mary 825
Map of the new Post on Drummond's Island 632
Colonial Opfiok Rbcords:
Pertaining to the yetu- 1794 1
" " " " 1795 81
" 1796 108
' " 1797 136
" " »' 1798 i 164
" 1799 178
" " 1800 209
" " " 1801 209
'* " " 1803 212
" *' " 1804 214
" " " 1805 217
" " 1806 221
" " 1807 230
" " 1808 - 233
" " " 1809 259
" " " 1810 268
1811 - 280
1812 291
1813 *20
1814 - 562
" " 1815 616
" " " 1816 641
' 1817 648
" " 1818 659
" " 1819 660
" " " 1821 _ 665
' " 1822 672
' 1823 - 676
Haldimans Papers:
Pertaining to the year 1781 - — 682
MiSOBLLANEOtJS PAPKBS— BRITISH MUSEUM:
Pertaining to the year 1784 685
1785 «8'
PIONEER AND HISTORICAL SOCIETT.
mSTOEICAL COLLECTIOJ^S.
COPIES OF PAPERS ON FILE IN THE DOMINION ARCHIVES AT OTTAWA, CANADA, PERTAINING TO MICHIGAN, AS FOUND IN THE COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Note.— Care has been taken in publishing the following papers to follow the original copies closely as possible, including orthography, pnnctnation, capitalization, etc. The references in brackets at the close of each paper are the filings in the Dominion Archives at Ottawa.
OA]:^ADIA]N^ AEOHIYES.
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS. [ Continued from Volume 24. ]
LETTER FROM JOSEPH CHEW.
Extract of a Letter from Joseph Chew Esqr. Secretary to the Indian Department dated Montreal 4th August 1794.
This moment I have a letter* from Colonel McKee, a copy of which I inclose, which will inform you of the situation of the Indians and His Americans in the Miamis Country. The U. S. have erected a Fort at La Boeuf about 12 miles from Presque Isle, this has given great offence to the Six Nations, who in a very
* Publiehed in Vol. 20, page 364.
2
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
spirited Speech to General Washington have desired the Inoroaoh- ment may be removed, if this is not done, I am of opinion they will join their Western Brethren in earnest. As they were intirely united in Sentiments, O'Beal the Corn Planter was extremely warm in his expressions on the occasion.
[ Q 69-2, p 232. ]
LIEUT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE TO HENRY DUNDAS, SEO'Y.
Navy Hall, August 5 1794.
Sir,
Having an opportunity by Captain Vandeleur, (late of the Garrison at the Miamis) who returns to Great Britain on Promotion, I think it proper to avail myself of the means, & of briefly stating to you the precise situation of this country.
The Indian Nations after an action on the 30th of May with a convoy in which they were successful, pursued their Enemy to the fort Eecovery, where they met with some loss, which together with the want of Provisions, their having got several Scalps, & having struck their blow, occasioned them in a great manner to separate & return home; leaving, Eunners, however, to call them together should Mr. Wayne advance.
Their principal chiefs have called upon Lt Colonel England for the assistance of twenty men & two Pieces of Cannon to attack Fort Recovery.
The Fort at the Miamis is in a complete state of Defence.
The Troops of the United States have not established themselves at the Presqu' Isle.
The Coru Planter whose residence has been for some time past in the interior of the Country, has sent, not to the Sachems, but to the Warriors of the Six Nations, to join him, to escort his Women & Children in safety to Cataragoras or the Buffaloe Creek as may be thought expedient, & in all appearance. Hostilities will commence between the Six Nations & the People of the States.
The Onondagoes have principally, left the Genesee country & messages have been sent to the Oneidas to invite them to rejoin the Confederacy.
The State of New York are establishing Posts at Fort Stanwix, Fort Brewerton, The Three Rivers Point & Oswego Falls within
LIEUT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE TO HENRY DUJSTDAS, gECT.
3
twelve miles of our Post. They also mean to erect b post to cover the Onondago Salt Works; a manufactory of considerable importance to them in case of a rupture with G. Britain.
The Inhabitants of the Genesees I hear, are quitting of that Country; no new Settlers arrive there & many have emigrated into this Province.
Under a mature consideration of the existing situation of this Country, & viewing it in the most favorable light, It is apparent that to the Westward, (the Detroit & Miamis) the Indians, as they represent, cannot maintain their country on a defensive system against the Chain of Garrisons or prevent the advance of General Wayne without our assistance; This assistance must absolutely be extended to the demolition of Fort Recovery & if possible, that of Fort Jefferson, or the entrenched camp at Grenville. To effect this measure, Good Officers, good Troops, Secrecy & Expedition are absolutely required.
In respect to Lake Erie the same reasoning holds good to prevent the Armies of the States from occupying of Presqu' Isle, or remain- ing at Le Boeuf, or even Fort Franklin.
The Ontario must be preserved by the destruction of the Gene- see settlements, & the assembling all the force that we can possibly collect both naval & military to establish ourselves, at Oswego or rather the Three Rivers Point. This Position, & the command of the smaller lakes of the Genesees will cover Upper Canada & best preserve the communication of the St. Laurence. I think it neces- sary not to lose the present opportunity of making this statement to you, Sir, of such a system of operations as appear to me, to be indispensable for the safety of this Colony.
I should hope there can be no difficulty in supplying this Prov- ince with a large reinforcement of Seamen; & a competent encrease of the Land forces — I would prefer to do great things with a small army rather than a little, with a large one; but where the King's American Empire is at stake, It is my duty to detail, as far as is practicable, what I conceive to be essential for its Preservation; & the being able to establish a force on the Oswego River sufficient to prevent the entry of the Armies of the United States into Upper Canada, Is in my Estimation the first object that requires atten- tion; such a force will scarcely be in safety unless the avenues to Lake Erie are shut up in some such manner as I have done myself the honor of representing.
4
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
It would give me great pleasure to hear that Capt Shank or some such officer was directed to establish the Provincial Naval Arsenal on this Lake.
I have taken every step in my power to prevent the construction of Gun Boats, & as the Artificers are to be obtained in this Prov- ince, I have sent a confidential Person to New York to endeavour to procure some Boat Builders from that place. I have the honor to be
with the utmost respect
Sir Your most obedient &
Most humble servant
J. G. SiMCOE.
To the Et. Hon. Henry Dundas.
I do myself the honor of transmitting a letter from Colonel McKee which I have this moment received.
Endoreed: Navy HaU. 5th Augt. 1794. Lt. Gov. Simcoe. R. 17th Octr. No. 29. (Two Incloearee.)
[ Q 70, p 7 1
ROYAL ARTILLERY.
|
Province |
Poets |
Commission |
Staff |
Serjeants |
Drummers |
Rank & File |
||||||||
|
Lt Colonels |
Majors |
Captains |
1st Lieuts |
2d Lieuts |
Adjutants |
Q. Masters |
Surgeons |
Doing duty |
In charge of stores |
Total |
||||
|
Upper Canada.. |
Michilimackinac |
1 1 |
1 |
7 32 |
7 32 |
|||||||||
|
Detroit |
1 |
— 1 |
||||||||||||
Dorchester.
By order of the Commander in Chief.
Geo. Beckwith, Acting Adjt. General.
[ Q 70, p 51 ]
TROOPS UNDER COMMAND OF LORD DORCHESTER.
g o s
S a
° i
1 ^
2 -g
|
sjemmtiJQ; |
iH |
a> |
||||||
|
eq |
c- |
|||||||
|
suoeSing |
||||||||
|
SO ZD. |
||||||||
|
iH |
||||||||
|
sra Present |
||||||||
|
a .2 1 1 o |
te |
|||||||
|
819UOXOQ |
||||||||
|
9I9UOXOQ |
M H
GO W
W o
O
Q
o 5 ft o
O
o K
6
C3
a;
a
OS
S
S o O
O
o
o
6 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
LIEUT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE TO LORD DORCHESTER.
Upper Canada, Navy Hall, Augt. 10 1794.
My Lord,
I am to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's Dispatch (No 14 July 11th 1794) which arrived here by the vessel that brought the Bishop of Quebec on the 9th of August.
I should not again have requested Your Lordship's opinion and direction on the State of the Affairs in this Country, had not the occupation of the Post at the Miamis, Your Lordship's Speech to the Indians, Deputies from the several Nations, and the manner in which the Secretary of State for the United States commented on these Transactions materially altered the condition of affairs in this Country from what they were at the period in which Your Lord- ship did me the honor of sending to me your letter No 1.
At present, I hope the People of the States will not occupy, Presque Isle, nor build naval Armaments; but should they, and by such means attempt either to victual Wayne's army, or to occupy a Post at Buffaloe Creek, or its vicinity, If it be practicable, I shall do my best for the destruction of such an Armament, under my Interpretation of Your Lordship's General orders 1o repel force hy force" should I not receive from your Lordship an express direc- tion to the contrary; and find that I am mistaken in my idea of Your Lordship's Orders and Actions.
In respect to Your Lordship's wish to be acquainted with "the extent of the combined Powers in Upper Canada and what force I may be able to assemble for my own preservation and defence, and also how far I may have it in my power not only to repel but to retaliate any hostile attempts," — I beg leave to observe, that I have endeavoured from time to time to communicate to Your Lordship every view, in which I contemplate the military advan- tages or disadvantages of this Province, its means of defence, or power of offence, upon the principle, that at such a distance as I am from Your Lordship, I must of necessity be left to a greater latitude of action, and with more discretion, than I can by any manner of means personally desire, or execute in my station with private satisfaction ; I therefore by the freest communication not only
LIEUT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE TO LORD DORCHESTER.
7
of intelligence, which is my public duty, but by my comments, and observations, a duty I owe to myself and Your Lordship in this very peculiar and unpleasant situation, have endeavoured to lay before Your Lordship such materials as may enable you to form an opinion on the Powers of this Country with a certain degree of accuracy, and to give me orders for the execution of the King's service.
Several of these communications and opinions have been trans- mitted to Your Lordship since the date of the dispatch which is now before me.
The number of the Troops, the miserable state of the Fortresses, the want of military stores and magazines and a proper naval arsenal I need not explain.
The militia, unless exercised and in part called out, cannot be reckoned upon as an eflScient strength ; There is an universal appear- ance of Loyalty, among the British Inhabitants, but it does not become me to place any Military Keliance in such assistance, unless it shall actually be proved; nor would it be wise to make this Probation, but under the Assemblage of a competent Body of Troops.
The most prudent attention must be paid that the first movement made by the King's Forces should be attended with success, whether to repel the Enemy to retaliate any hostile attempts, or if other considerations render it practicable, not only as a general Military Rule, but as peculiarly applicable to the best situation of this Country, to prevent all Inroads into the Province.
In the combined Powers, I presume that Your Lordship includes the Indian Nations, although I am to observe that you never have expressed those people by name as a means of defence in your communications to me.
The most important Possession in this Country is Niagara, con- sidered with its most important dependency of York, and Lake Erie; Long Pointe or Presqu' Isle — This Post I consider as the main object of attack, and it must be secured by preventing all access to Lake Erie; This must be done by stopping, the progress of Wayne's army, now actually in its Road to the Miamis River & by preventing any occupation on the Coast of the Lake from Buf- faloe Creek to the Miamis Bay.
The Troops of the States must at the least be driven from Fort Recovery leading to the Miamis and Fort Franklin on the Allegany. If their advance can be prevented or suspended; I conceive that no time should be lost in the collection of every species of force that
8
COLONIAL OFFICE KECORDS.
can be spared from both Provinces and that the Three River Point, and its oommunications with the Oswego should be occupied; Fort Brewerton, the Onondaga Salt Works and the whole Genesee settle- ment destroyed. — The approaches of the Oneida Lake and even the Wood Creek ruined and the Seneca, Cayuga and other lesser Lakes occupied with Gun Boats, &c, and the Roads to the Susquehanna ruined or possessed. The Incursions of the Indians or Light Troops, should the Province be reinforced, may then be pushed forward on all sides and with safety to the great object, the covering by the Three River Point or Oswego position, Niagara and all access for the present to the Upper St. Laurence. This, my Lord, is the out- line of what I think absolutely necessary, and possibly, not imprac- ticable; such an Enterprize may be combined with great secrecy.
I stated to the Duke of Richmond the necessity of heavy Can- non & a light Train before I left Europe. I stated other military precautions, I shall be most happy if the non compliance with them become not fatal to the King's interests.
But, my Lord, in the present juncture if we are only to ^repel Hostilities, which will consist in the Enemies occupying favorable Positions with Blockhouses, and it be, as I conceive, most neces- sary, that we should not fail in our first enterprize from which the whole war may derive its colouring. It will be of the utmost con- sequence to our operations that the Artillery should be of that weight and nature as to ensure ^the capture of the Blockhouses, now erecting at Fort Brewerton, Three Rivers Point &c. &c. &c. It is manifest we shall be able to transport them with a certain degree of facility, and it may be possible, that we may destroy or occupy, if an object. Fort Schuyler or Stanwix, tho' I should rather prefer this place to become in the first Campaign a Point of assembly for the Enemy ; we filling up the Wood Creek.
The next requisite, my Lord, for this expedition is its officers. In this Province the captains Shank, Smith and Shaw of the Queen's Rangers, Captain Seward of the Royal Artillery, and Captain Bun- bury of the 5th Regiment are probably second to no men in their respective Ranks and Situations. An able field officer, is, without doubt, necessary to command either as my second, or as chief, if, as probably may be the case, the King's Interests should require my presence elsewhere. Could your Lordship under existing cir- cumstances spare Lieutenant Colonel Beckwith for such an attempt my satisfaction would be compleat — I know him to be perfectly
LIEUT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE TO LORD DORCHESTER.
9
calculated for this kind of service, and that he possesses the good opinion of the officers of the Queen's Eangers, who in the late war were personally acquainted with him. I have also the highest opin- ion of the spirit of resource and Experience of Captain Glasgow of the Artillery for an enterprize that requires so much combina- tion on the supposition, that such an attempt should be entirely successful and that we should preserve Posts of communication com- pletely fortified with Stockades of Trees &c. &c. (as were practised by the Loyalists &c on Bergen Point in the late War) and retain Three River Point, Oswego and the Great Sodus our naval station for Gun Boats &c. &c. during the Winter. It is probable that the Levies of Troops in the Province and from the United States would be successfully carried on; and should by any circumstances Lower Canada be secure, and Your Lordship by a competent Reinforce- ment from Europe (and the accumulation of these Levies secretly raised, and disciplined in silence) be enabled to move early in the Spring into this Province, the power of retaliating hostile attempts might be of infinite extent, acting on the Mohawk, Susquehanna or Ohio; The United States would Hazard all their Colonies or Settlements beyond the Mountains, and perhaps ultimately, by a successful co-operation on the Sea Coast, be effectually dismembered, and disabled from prosecuting those malignant & ambitious views, which self defence must of necessity in some period or other compel Great Britain to consider as the main object of her policy.
I have thus offered to your Lordship a summary of my Ideas on the existing state of this Country and its present powers, not only to repel but to retaliate any hostile attempts. I need not represent, to Your Lordship's experience that it is almost impracticable to form any kind of satisfactory system in war, but it is peculiarly so where the Powers to be combined are a scanty and divided army, indifensi- ble Fortresses, unprovided Arsenals, an untried Militia and Indian Allies; in such difficulties, all that a zealous servant of his King has to offer, is the exertion of his best abilities. I have the honor to be
My Lord Your Lordships
most obedient servant
J. G. SiMCOE.
The Rt. Hon. Lord Dorchester.
Endorsed: B.
In Lord Dorchester's No. 61 to Mr. Dandas of the Ist Octr. 1794,
r Q 70, p 122 ]
2
10
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM MAJ. GEN. ANTHONY WAYNE TO CHRISTOPHER
MILLER.
Head Quarters, Grand Glaize, 13th August 1794.
Mr. Miller,
You are to proceed to Koche de bout, or to the General Ren- devouz of the Indians, in that vicinity, & deliver & explain, to them or their chiefs the speech now delivered to you, in the char- acter of a Flag from the United States of America, & from the Army now on its march to the foot of the Rapids.
The lives of eight Indian Prisoners now in my possession will depend upon your personal safety on this occasion, & upon your appearance with this Army, on or before the sixteenth Instant.
Anty. Wayne.
Endorsed:
Copy of Major General Wayne's Instructions to Christopher Miller, an Indian Flag. Dated. Head Quarters Glaize Angnst 13th 1794. In Lt. Govr. Simcoe's No. 33 of the 23d August 1794. (2)
[ Q 280-2, p 299 ]
MAJ. GEN. ANTHONY WAYNE'S SPEECH TO WESTERN INDIANS.
To the Delawares, Shawenoes, Mineamis & Wyandots, & to each and every of them; and to all other Nations of Indians, North West of the Ohio; whom it may concern.
I, Anthony Wayne, Major General & Commander in Chief of the Federal army now at Grand Glaize, and Commissioner Plenipoten- tiary of the United States of America, for settling the Terms, upon which a permanent and lasting Peace shall be made between each & every of the Hostile Tribes or Nations of Indians (Northwest of the [Ohio) and the said United States.
Actuated by the purest principles of humanity and urged by pity, for the errors into which bad and designing men have led you; from the head of my army, now in possession of Your abandoned villages & Settlements, do hereby, once more, extend the friendly hand of peace towards you & invite each & every of the hostile Tribes of Indians, to appoint deputies to meet me & my army without delay, between this place and Roche de bout, in order to settle the preliminaries of a lasting peace, which may eventually
GENERAL WAYNE TO WESTERN INDIANS.
11
& soon restore to you the Delawares, Shawenoes, Mineamis, & all other Tribes & Nations, lately settled at this place, & on the Marquis of the Mineamis & Au Glaize Rivers, to your late Ground & Possessions; & to preserve you and your distressed & helpless women & children, from Danger & Famine, during the present Fall & ensuing winter.
The arm of the United States is strong & powerful but thev love mercy & kindness more than war & Desolation.
And to remove any doubts or apprehensions of danger to the persons of the Deputies, whom you may appoint to meet this army; I hereby pledge my sacred honor for their safety & return; and send Christopher Miller an adopted Shawenoe and a warrior, whom I took prisoner two days ago, as a flag who will advance in their Front to meet me. Mr. Miller was taken prisoner by a party of my warriors six moons since & can testify to you the kindness I have shewn to your people, my prisoners, that is, five warriors & two women, who are now all safe and well at Greenville.
But should this invitation be disregarded & Mr. Flag Mr. Miller be detained or injured, I will immediately order all those prison- ers to be put to death without distinction, & some of them are known to belong to the first families of your nations.
Brothers, be no longer deceived or led astray by the false prom- ises & language of the bad white men, at the foot of the Rapids — they have neither power, nor Inclination to protect you, no longer shut your eyes to your true interest & happiness; nor your ears to this last overture of peace; but in pity to your innocent women & children, come & prevent the further effusion of your blood — ^let them experience the kindness & friendship of the United States of America & the invaluable blessings of peace & tranquility.
Given at Head Quarteep, Grand Glaize, this 13th day of August 1794.
Anty Wayne.
J. G. S.
Endorsed:
Copy of Major General Wayne's Message to the Indians, dated Head Quarters at the Glaize Angust 13th 1794.
In Lt. Govr. Simcoe's of the 23d Aagt. 1794. No. 33. (3) *
[ Q 280-2, p 800 ]
12
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
LT. GOV. J. G. 8IMC0E TO HENRY DUNDA8, SEO'Y.
[ No. 32. ]
Navy Hall, August lath 1794.
Sir,
Since the closure of my dispatch of the 10th Inst. Information of the most serious aspect has been received from the Indian Country.
General Ohapin, the Agent for the United States to the Six Nations, has sent those people immediately at Buffaloe Creek; & his messenger intimates, that Mr. Washington has complied with their demands so far as to give directions that Presque Isle shall not be occupied and the fort at Le Boeuf shall be abandoned.
Lt. Col. England informs me that Wayne is rapidly advancing; by report with near four thousand Troops; but what is alarming, the Hurons have peremptorily returned him the Hatchet which they had formerly received from Governor Hamilton demanding him to sharpen it, & instantly to join them, or they must cease to defend their Country.
The next step in all probability would be to offend] ours.
The Report in Waynes army is that he has positive orders to reduce our post at the Miamis, & in the ensuing spring to attack Detroit.
c. 8. 8. D. Ro8.' I have detached Capt Bunbury of the 5th Regi-
1.1. 2.1 40. sthRegt. raent to occupy Turtle Island at the entrance of the — Miamis Bay, hoping by a combination of our Gun- boats & Vessels at that place to prevent an access to the Miamis River or egress from it.
If Mr. Wayne pushes for Detroit, you, Sir, must of course be prepared to hear that it is in his possession, I have characterized it truly to Lord Dorchester on his arrival "as a nominal Fortress, with a nominal Garrison."
I have the honor to be with all Respect, your most obedient & most humble Servant.
J. G. SiMCOE.
To the Right Honorable Henry Dandas, &c. &c.
Endorsed: Navy Hall, 13 Augt. 1794. Lt. Govr. Simcoe. R. 13 Deer. No. 82.
[ Q 280-2, p 291 ]
AFFIDAVIT MADE BY CHRISTOPHER MILLER.
13
COL. A. MC KEE TO LT. COL. EICHARD ENGLAND.
Eapids, 14 August 1794.
Sir,
The enclosed Speech from General Wayne, with Millers Instruc- tions came here this morning. I overheard him telling the Indians that the Designs of the army were against the English, and when I spoke to him about it in public, he readily agreed to take the enclosed Oath in the presence of the several Nations. As soon as I am informed of the determination of the Indians upon this mes- sage, I shall lose no time in acquainting you of it. I have the honor to be
Sir Your most obedient
& very humble Servant
A. McKee.
J. G. S.
Colonel England, &c. <fec.
Endorsed:
Copy of a letter from Colonel McKee to Lieut. Col. England. Rapids August 14th 1794. In Lt. Govr. Simcoe's No. 33 of the 23 Augt. 1794. (1.)
[ Q 280-2, p 297 ]
AFFIDAVIT MADE BY CHRISTOPHER MILLER BEFORE CAPT. M. ELLIOTT.
I Christopher Miller, sent to this place, as a Flag, from General Wayne, Commander in chief of the American Army, to the hostile Indians, do make oath and swear, that the said General desired me to inform the Indians, if they would withdraw themselves, or come & make peace with him, his designs were not to be directed against them, but to drive away the English from the Country.
Christopher Miller.
Sworn before me at the Miamis Kapids, this 14th day of August, 1794.
M. Elliott, J. P.
Endorsed:
Copy of an affidavit made by Christopher Miller before Matthew Elliot, Esqr., Justice of the Peace, &c.
In Lt. Govr. Simcoe's No. 33 of the 23d Augt. 1794. (4)
[ Q 280-2, p 303 ]
14
COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS.
COL. A. MO KEE TO LT. COL. RICHARD ENGLAND.
Eapids, 15tli August 1794.
Sir,
Agreeably to my promise of yesterday, I have now to inform you that the Indians have this day, returned an answer to General Wayne's Speech. It is entirely calculated to gain a few days time, in hopes that Putiwatimies & Indians about Detroit may encrease their strength, so as to enable them to meet him with a prospect of advantage, tis said of the Kentucky Militia who either have brought, or are to bring up more Artillery. I have the honor to be
Sir Your most obedient
& very humble Servant
A. McKee.
Lt. Col. England, &c. &c.
Endorsed:
Copy of a Letter from Col. McKee to Lieat. Col. England. Rapids, August 15th. Reed, early on the 17th.
In Lt. Govr. Simcoe's No. 33 of the 23d Aug, 1794. (5)
[ Q 280-2, p 304 ]
MAJOR WM. CAMPBELL TO LIEUT. COL. RICHARD ENGLAND.
Fort Miamis, 21st August 1794.
Sir,
I sent last night a dispatch to you, to be forwarded by Colonel McKee wherever he should be found, somewhere lower down this River.
In it I detailed the Transactions of the day, the chief purpose of which was to inform you, that the Americans & Indians had had an engagement, and the latter were beat, and had retired below this Post, how far I do not know.
From the circumstance of an American army having taken Post On the heights opposite to Col. McKees, almost within reach of the Guns of this Fort, and remained there upwards of twenty four hours, without any explanation on their part, I conceived it a duty I owed to my station, & indispensably necessary in support of the honor of the British Colours to desire to be informed upon what Terms they
MAJOR WILLIAM CAMPBELL TO LIEUT. COL. ENGLAND. 15
approached so near this Post. I refer you to my letter to Him, now enclosed (and which I hope you will not think unguarded) together with his answer — I sent my Flag by Captain Spears at eleven o'clock this morning — Captain Spears was stopped at their out Post, and was desired to return immediately, as the woods were full of Rifflemen, and they were affraid of his safety, from accident. But that an answer should be sent presently. It arrived at four o'clock. It appears to me, a vain production and still leaves me a cautious part to act. At the same time, if any of his Troops wantonly Insults this Post, it shall not be with Impunity.
I sincerely wish the Governor himself may soon arrive, and take all responsibility upon him.
I trust a Eeinforcement from you is not far off at present, I conceive there is no danger in coming up this River, how long it may be so, is impossible for me to say, at the particular request of Mr Pilkington & Mr. Adye, I keep Capt Harrow and his sail- ors. I had determined otherwise just now, knowing that you may have great occasion for him, but their entreaties have prevailed.
We have not seen or heard a word about a Savage all day. It has been a matter of great comfort to me that the Battle of yester- day terminated without bringing me into a scrape, but surely my situation is a very extraordinary one, hundreds of the American Cavalry are constantly skirting the wood all round us and at this moment, a number of their officers are looking at us from the Point of Colonel McKees Island. You have also enclosed the Information of a Deserter who came in last night. You will observe he men- tions Lascell as being taken prisoner, but, here, we all think he Deserted.
Drumer Bevan deserted from us this morning about eight o'clock. He went down to the River to wash his Shirts and crept through the Abatis at the water side.
I have the honor to be
Sir &c. &c.
Wm. Campbell.
Lt. Col. England, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed:
Copy of a letter from Major Wm. Campbell to Lieut. Colonel England. Dated Augt. 2l8t. Received 23d 1794. In Lt. Got. Simcoe's No. 34 30th Augt. 1794.
[ Q 70, p 22 ]
16
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
MAJOR WM. CAMPBELL TO MAJOR GEN. A. WAYNE.
[ No. 1. ]
Copy of a Letter from Major Campbell to Major General Wayne. Sir,
Ad Army of the United States of America, said to be under your command, having taken Post on the banks of the Miamis, for upwards of the last twenty four hours, almost within the reach of the Guns of this Fort, being a Post belonging to His Majesty, the King of Great Britain, occupied by His Majesty's Troops, and which I have the honor to command, it becomes my duty to inform myself as speedily as possible, in what light I am to view your making such near approaches to this Garrison.
I have no hesitation on my part to say, that I know of no War existing between Great Britain and America. I have the honor to be
Sir With great respect
Your most obedient
And very humble servant
Wm. Campbell, Major 24th Eegiment, Commanding a British Post on the Banks of the Miamis. Miamis Eiyer, August 21st 1794.
To Major General Wayne,
Commander in Chief of an American Army on the Banks of the Miamis*
Endorsed: 1.
Copy of a Letter from Major Wm. Campbell to Major General Wayne. August 2l8t, 1794. In Lt. Gov. Bimcoe'8 No. 34 of 30 Augt. 1794.
[ Q 70, p 28 ]
MAJOR GEN. A. WAYNE TO MAJOR WM. CAMPBELL.
Copy of a Letter from Major General Wayne to Major Campbell.
[ No. 2. ] Sir,
I have received your Letter of this date requiring of me the motives which have moved the Army, under my command to the position, they now occupy, far within the acknowledged Jurisdiction of the United States of America.
Without questioning the authority or the propriety Sir, of your interrogatory, I think I may without breach of decorum observe to
MAJOR WILLIAM CAMPBELL TO GENERAL WAYNE.
17
you, that were you intitled to an answer, the most full & satisfac- tory one was announced to you, from the muzzels of my small arms yesterday morning, in the action against the heard of Savages in the vicinity of your Post; which terminated gloriously to the American Arms — but had it continued until the Indians &c were drove under the influence of the Post and Guns you mention — they would not have much impeded the progress of the Victorious army under my command, as no such Post was established at the com- mencement of the present war, between the Indians & the United States.
I have the honor to be Sir with great Kespect
Your most obedient and very humble Servant
Anty Wayne,
Major General & Commander in Chief of the Federal Army,
Camp on the Banks of the Miamis, 21st Augt. 1794.
To Major Wm. Campbell, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: 2.
In Lt. Govr. Simcoe's No. 34, 30th Augt. 1794.
[y70, p80]
MAJOR WM. CAMPBELL TO MAJOR GEN. A. WAYNE.
[No. 3.]
Copy of a Letter from Major Campbell to General Wayne. Sir,
Although your letter of yesterday's date fully authorizes me to — any Act of hostility, against the Army of the United States of America, in the neighborhood under your command.
Yet still anxious to prevent that dreadful decision, which perhaps is not intended to be appealed to, by either of our Countries.
I have forborne for these two days past to resent those Insults you have offered to the British Flag flying at this Fort, by approaching it within pistol shot of my works, not only singly, but in numbers with arms in their hands.
Neither is it my wish to wage war with Individuals, but should you after this continue to approach my Post, in the threatening manner you are at this moment doing, my indispensable Duty to my King & Country, and the honor of my profession will oblige me to have recourse to those measures, which thousands of either 3
18
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
nation may hereafter have cause to regret, and which I solemnly appeal to God, I have used my utmost endeavours to avert. I have the honor to be Sir with much Respect
Your most obedient and very humble Servant
Wm. Campbell, Major 24th Regt. Commanding at Fort Miamis. Fort Miamis, August 22d 1794
To Major General Wayne, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: 3.
Copy of a Letter from Major Campbell to General Wayne. Fort Miamis, 22d August 1794. In Lt. Govr. Simcoe's No. 34, 30th Augt. 1794.
[ Q 70, p 32 ]
MAJOR GEN. ANTHONY WAYNE TO MAJOR WM. CAMPBELL.
Sir, [ No. 4. ] Camp, Bank of the Miamis, 22d Augt. 1794.
In your Letter of the 21 instant you declare "I have no hesita- tion on my part to say, that I know of no war existing between Great Britain & America."
I, on my part, declare the same; and that the only cause I have to entertain a contrary idea at present, is the hostile act that you are now in commission of; i. e. by recently taking Post far within the well known & acknowledged limits of the United States, and erecting a Fortification in the heart of the settlements of the Indian tribes, now at war with the United States.
This Sir, appears to be an act of the highest aggression; and destructive to the peace and interest of the Union: — hence it becomes my duty to desire and demand in the name of the Presi- dent of the United States that you immediately desist from any further act of hostility or aggression : by forbearing to fortify, & by withdrawing the troops, artillery and stores under your orders & directions forthwith, and removing to the nearest post occupied by His Britannick Majesty's troops at the peace of 1783: and which you will be permitted to do, unmolested by the troops under my command. I am with very great respect Sir
Your most obedt & very huml Servt. Major Wm. Campbell, &c. <fec. <fec. Anty Wayne.
Endorsed: 4.
Letter from General Wayne 22d Angst. 1794 to Major Campbell. In Lt. Govr. Simcoe's No. 34, 30 Angt. 1794.
[ Q 70, p 34 ]
MAJOR WILLIAM CAMPBELL TO GENERAL WAYNE. 19 MA JOE WM. CAMPBELL TO MAJ. GEN. A. WAYNE.
[ No. 5.]
Copy of a Letter from Major Campbell to General Wayne, Sir,
I have this moment the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of this date. In answer to which I have only to say, i;hat being placed here in the command of a British Post, and acting in a military capacity only, I cannot enter into any discus- sion either on the right, or impropriety of my occupying my pres- ent position — those are matters that I conceive will be best left to i;he ambassadors of our different nations.
Having said this much Sir, permit me to inform you, that I -certainly will not abandon this post, at the summons of any power whatever, until I receive orders to that purpose from those I have ihe honor to serve under.
I must still adhere to the purport of my letter this morning, to desire that Your Army, or Individuals belonging to it, will not approach within reach of my Cannon, without expecting the conse- quences attending it.
Although I have said in the former part of my letter, that my * situation here is totally military, yet, let me add, Sir, that I am much deceived if His Majesty the King of Great Britain had not a post upon this River, at, and prior, to the period you mention. I have the honor to be
Sir With the greatest Respect Your most obedient &
very humble Servant
William Campbell, Major 24th Regt. Commanding at Fort Miamis. Fort Miamis, Augt. 22d 1794. -
To Major General Wayne.
.Endorsed: 5.
Copy of a Letter from Major Campbell to General Wayne. Aug. 22d 1794. In Lt. Gov. Simcoe's No. 34, 30 Augt. 1794.
£ Q 70, p 36 ]
20
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
LETTER FROM MAJOR WM. CAMPBELL.
Fort Miamis, 22d August 1794.
My Dear Colonel,
I hope my express by Le Tellie last night has reached you ere now. It contained an account of the events that had happened here, from the date of the former together with the commencement of General Wayne's correspondence and mine. Duplicates of which, I now send you — in case of accidents — I now enclose you copys of two letters, I have had occasion to write him this day — with his answer to my first — (the original).
I would fain hope my conduct upon this occasion has been such as it ought — I have perhaps been more forbearing than an oflSoer of higher Bank placed in my situation would have been but I con- sidered my situation a very delicate one, and if I have erred, it ha» been on the safe side. The consequences attending a too hasty conduct, might be very serious — I must leave you to your own com- ments on General Wayne's letters. My time at present will not permit me to give you mine. Our Garrison for the first time, are loaded, and sleep on their Alarm Posts. Three Deserters have come in to us to day — they all agree, in his being very short of Pro- visions— and until this morning, have had scarce any thing to eat — they got a small supply from Roche de Bout, where they have a little, but even there, not much —
By his summoning the Post we are to expect, an attack, yet still I think he will not be so rash. I have taken every precaution in my power to prevent a surprize and I think nothing else short of bringing Heavy Guns against it, and of which he has none, can possibly endanger the Post. Captain Mounsey and a Reinforcement would have afforded great pleasure here, and I still look for them, at the same time I trust we shall be able to do without them — But pray do not let us despair of them. An Army of between 3 & 4000 men against a small Post, unsupported by any other is a serious consideration. Our work of late has been but trifling on account of constant alarms.
I have not heard a word about the Indians since the Battle — therefore have not an idea where they are, or what are their plans. I still think the Communication up this River is safe — but who- ever comes should conduct themselves with caution.
What Mr. Wayne's people mean by burning all the Indian huts in the neighbourhood, and all the Hay on Colonel McKee's Island
LIEUT. GOV. SIMCOE TO HENRf DUNDAS, SECY. 21
to-day, I cannot say. He reconnoitred the Fort to day in all points, quite in sight, covered by his light Infantry and Rifle Men. It was extremely insolent, but he will never do it again with impunity. I will not detain the Express longer than to say, that I hope soon to hear from you, and I will please myself in the hopes that its not impossible but the Governor and a large Rein- forcement may soon find their way to us, with best wishes to you and yours.
I am Sir Yours
Wm. Campbell.
Eadorsed:
Iq Lt. Govr. Simcoe's No. 34, 30 Aagt. 1794.
[ Q 70, p 25 ]
LT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE TO HENRY DUNDAS, SEC'y.
[ No. 33. J
Uppeb Canada, Navy Hall, August 23d 1794.
SlE,
Since my letter of the 13th of August General Wayne has advanced to the Glaize but has not since proceeded so rapidly as might have been, by which means the Fort at the Miamis is reported to me to be in a perfect state of defence.
I mean to proceed to that District with nearly four hundred Troops, hoping to confirm the Indians, and to annihilate the Militia to such exertions as may be necessary. Lieut Colonel England (probably on suflBcient Reasons) by augmenting the garrison at the Miamis far beyond what I conceived necessary, or had directed, when I proportioned the fortress to the exisitng force, and the cir- cumstances of the Country, has rendered this point the main object of consideration, and consequently the maintenance of Detroit must depend on the protection which can be alforded to this post; which may now be considered as its citidel.
The Indians are assembled to the amount of thirteen hundred warriors almost under its Guns.
Waynes Force is 1500 Kentucky Militia, and 1800 Continental Troops, well disciplined and in high spirits, among these are nearly three hundred Cavalry, I know it is a most unreasonable time to speak of this most important species of Troops, and that the Ignor- ance of those who had the management of them during the late American war, has naturally induced an opinion, that cavalry were useless in America; but I must state to you, Sir, that a Body of
22
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Cavalry in this Country, of good English Cavalry with American Horses, is a cheap and most essential requisite for its maintenance.
I am still in hopes to prevent the Indians of the Six Nations from giving way to the Arts of the people of the States & admit- ting them to possess themselves of Presqu' Isle. I enclose some late Communications for your Information.
I have not hesitated to state to Lord Dorchester "that if Wayne "be permitted to establish himself at the Detroit it may occasion the "loss of both Canadas. "
It will not escape you Sir, nor I should hope, His Lordship, that if the Indians are detached from our Interests and the Road by which Wayne has procedeed be opened for the unmolested March of the Southern States, that of the Cayahoga and Presqu' Isle must immediately follow, and an inundation of Settlers from the back Country, as formidable in the woods as the New Englanders will be found on the Lakes, will immediately combine in over whelming this Province — I beg to conclude this Dispatch with the • same^ observations that I lately made to Lord Dorchester " I need not "represent to your experience that it is almost impracticable to form "any kind of satisfactory system in War, but it is peculiarly so, "when the powers to be combined, are a scanty and divided army, "indifensible Fortresses, unprovided arsenals, an untried Militia and "Indian allies, in such difficulites all that a zealous servant of His "King has to offer is the exertion of his best abilities.
I have the honor to be with great Respect Sir
Your most obedient and most humble Servant
J. G. SiMCOE.
The Right Honorable Henry Dundas, &g. &c. &c.
Endorsed: Upper Canada, 23d Augt. 1794 Lt. Govr. Sitncoe. R. 13th Deer. (Five Incloenree.)
[ Q 280-2, p 293 ] •
LT. GOV. .T. G. SIMCOE TO HENRY DUNDAS, SEC'Y.
Sir, Upper Canada, Navy Hall, August 30th 1794.
I take an opportunity of sending this dispatch by means of Mr. Hammond to whom I lose no time in giving information of the important Event that Mr. Wayne with the xA.rmy of the United States penetrated to the Fort at the Miamis, which He summoned to surrender, and upon Major Campbell's refusal, at present, appears
LIEUT. GOV. SIMCOE TO HENRY DUNDAS, SECY.
23
to have retreated; and probably, to have laid aside until a future period the design with which He evidently advanced, that of pos- sessing himself of it or dismantling the Station.
It appears that soon after the loss of the Indians at the attack on Fort Eecovery and their dispersion, which, Sir, I have formerly related to you, General Wayne being reinforced by 1500 Militia from Kentucky, rapidly advanced; establishing at the Glaize, a Post, fortified with four Blockhouses. On the 20th of August, He approached within two miles of the King's Post at the Miamis, the advanced guard, at Roche de Bout being previously withdrawn. There, at the place marked in the Plan which I did myself the honor of transmitting, McCormac's Plantation. The Indian Nations met him, and by the accounts which I collect, attacked in the open field his Left Column, in the most gallant manner; they several times drove back different Bodies of Troops as they were succes- sively advanced against them, but having exhausted all their Reserves the Indians were ultimately outflanked and obliged to give way ; their numbers being at the utmost nine Hundred, and those of their opponents between three and four Thousand. They lost several of the principal Chiefs of their different Nations; and I understand, that Great Chief and firm friend to the British Nation Egushwa has been dangerously wounded — ^an American Deserter says, that Wayne lost one hundred and fourteen killed, and one hundred and thirty wounded.
Major Campbell's letters and those of Mr. Wayne, will fully explain to you Sir, the events which followed, untill Wayne retreated, and was immediately pursued by the Indians, who had retired to Point au Chene, on Horseback, their knowledge of the Country will probably enable them to avoid such ambuscades as Wayne will undoubtedly lay for them; and if as it is generally asserted by fifteen Deserters from his army, that He is in great want of Provisions, He may suffer considerably in his Retreat.
It is with singular satisfaction that I enclose to you, Sir, the correspondence of Major Campbell with Mr. Wayne; It is impossible to express the sense I entertain of that oflScers most wise firm and temperate conduct in his very peculiar and difficult situation. Such notice as the Military Part of it highly deserves, I presume, will be offered to you by Lord Dorchester, who must be fully compe- tent to judge of its merits; but I should do injustice to myself did I not state to you. Sir, my humble and earnest hope, that the Conduct of this Gentleman, which in substance may have pre-
24
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
vented the greatest miseries to the Province under my Government, and who in his manner and Language has in a very trying situa- tion most nobly supported the national character, will recommend him to your attention and be found worthy of his Majesty's approbation.
The sickness of the Garrison has been universal so that it was by great Exertions and unremitting attention that Lieutenant Colonel England, in a manner, dismantling Detroit could place The Miamis in a State of defence. The Canadian Militia for the greater part have shewn themselves not to be depended upon.
I reinforced Turtle Island from hence, and was preparing all the little force I could muster to proceed to the Miamis. I have thought it prudent not to discontinue these Preparations, and shall immediately embody two hundred Militia of this district.
It was a fortunate circumstance, that upon the receipt of Lord Dorch esters orders to establish a Post on the Miamis I proceeded over land, selected the spot and formed the plan for fortifying it, as had I waited the usual course of Transport, the consequent delay of Six Weeks at least, would probably have prevented the Fort from being in any state of resistance on the approach of Mr. Wayne, from concurrent circumstances I am induced to believe that He was by no means informed of the strength of the Fort — Mr. Williamson of the Genesee's nearly on the day that Wayne retreated assured Lieut Sheaffe (who was sent to deliver Lord Dorchester's Protest against his making an Establishment at the Sodus) that General Scott at the head of the Kentucky Kifle men had sum- moned the Miamis Fort to surrender which it had done, The Troops laying down their arms, and marching out with one days Provisions.
I beg to offer my congratulations on Lord Howe's signal victory. — I should hope that a competent Body of Seamen may now be allowed for these Lakes, — The men & equipment of a single seventy four Gun Ship would probably preserve to His Majesty this encreas- ing Empire.
I have the honor to be with the utmost Eespect Sir
Your most obedient and most obliged Servant To the Hon. Henry Dundas &c. &c. J. G. SiMCOE.
I beg to enclose the extract of a New York Paper which eluci- dates a subject I have formerly offered to your consideration.
Endorsed: Dpper Canada, 30 Angt. 1794. Lt. Gov. Simcoe'a No. 34. K. 9th. (Seven Incloenres.)
[ Q 70, p 18 ]
LIEUT. COL. ENGLAND TO LIEUT. GOV. SIMCOE.
25
LIEUT. COL. RICHARD ENGLAND TO LIEUT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE.
Detroit, August 80th 1794.
Sir,
I had the honor of writing to you on the 24th Instant, by the Felicity, when I transmitted to Your Excellency several Letters that passed between Major Campbell & General Wayne; and also a Detail of every circumstance, that took place in the vicinity of Fort Miamis, as reported to me.
On the 25th, I received an Express from Major Campbell, inform- ing me of General Wayne's having commenced his Eetreat, but in such decided terms, as to justify me, in forwarding the Report to you; and on the 26th He again sent me a further account of his Retreat, corroborated by the Information of several Deserters and at the same time mentioned, that he considered the Information of so much consequence that he had wrote to inform Your Excellency, and sent directions to Commodore Grant, on board the Chippawa to forward his Letter immediately to you, by one of the King's vessels, which Commodore Grant informed me he had done, on Receipt of Major Campbells directions, since then I have received frequent Expresses from Major Campbell, all mentioning the Retreat of the army
By the reports made by Deserters he purposes establishing him- self at the Glaize where he expects to meet Provisions which he is in such want of; how far this Information is to be relied on we shall soon be able to learn; tho not by any assistance from Indians as not one of them has pursued him.
This very unexpected retreat affords much room for conjecture I must confess it appears extraordinary that he should relinquish an object which already has cost many Campaigns and has been attended with considerable expence to the United States, at a time that it wou'd appear he had effectually accomplished his purpose by defeat- ing the Indians perfectly and by having the whole Country at his Command.
The Indians on this occasion have forfeited every pretension to a warlike or Gallant Character, they behaved excessive ill in the action at the Falls & afterwards fled in every direction, the few that formed any Body were stoped only by the Lake at Point au Chenes, Eighteen miles below Fort Miamis, where from every Information I have received, their Panic was so great, that the appearance of fifty Americans wou'd have totally routed them.
26
COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS.
Major Campbell sent an Express to acquaint Colonel McKee, of Greneral Wayne's retreat, the moment he was informed of it; but the Indians did not shew any Inclination to avail themselves of it, and suffered him to move off, with the same indifference, that they shewed at his approach, and I believe there are few Instances of an invading army being suffered to penetrate so far as General Wayne has done, without some Check, or to Eetreat without being pursued. Should he stop at the Glaize, it is natural to suppose we shall again hear from him, when recruited with provisions, and I have directed Major Campbell, not by any means, to relax from his endeavours to complete the Fort expeditiously. The respectable appearance it made, and the Resolute conduct of the Commandant and the Garrison were probably the cause of its not being before attacked; tho' I really believe that the General was authorized only to demand the Garrison, to retire, and not to attack it, — ^Notwith- standing that, all the deserters agree in saying, that he purposed to attack it, and was only dissuaded from it by his oflScers,
I propose to morrow, to dismiss the militia from the Eiver Thames, whose conduct does them great credit— I am concerned that I cannot say any thing in favour of the Canadian Militia; some of the com- panies near the Town behaved in a very mutinous shameful manner, very little short of Rebellion.
One of the principal People, charged with encouraging this dis- position among them, was yesterday tried & prosecuted by the Attorney General, but acquitted by the Jury, notwithstanding as I am informed, there was sufficient Evidence to convict him, for fur- ther particulars relative to him, and the Canadians at large, I beg to refer Your Excellency to the Attorney General who will have the honor of delivering you this Dispatch.
I am much concerned to mention to you, that the Detachment of Royal Artillery, & 24th Regt are much reduced by the Fever, that has prevailed all the Summer at the Miamis, the 24th has lost six men already, and by the Surgeons Report, many more will die in the course of a week, and we have at present , a hundred & twenty on our sick list; Their disorders is of such a nature, that they make no progress in recovering, and from their very low debilitated state, I fear they will not be fit for duty, at least this fall. In this situation, and so divided, they are very unequal to Garrison Fort Miamis, and this Post particularly if any thing hos- tile should be intended, which a very little time must shew. By Major Campbell's last Letter, dated the 27th he says, that General
LIEUT. GOV. SIMCOE REGARDING AMERICAN TRADE. 27
Wayne by the Information of Deserters, was to be at the Glaize on the evening of the 26th. I have had daily Expresses from Fort Miamis, which I have directed should be continued till matters are again in a state of tranquility, and you may rest assured of hear- ing constantly from me, as the Dunmore is once more in sailing order, and I have ordered the Chippawa to return here, from Miamis Bay; after she has forwarded to the Fort all the stores she has on board that were intended for it, and I have directed a proper officer to be left at Turtle Island, with the charge of the Gun Boats and stores there.
I have the honor to be Your Excellency's • most obedient & very humble Servant
E. England, Lt. Col. Commanding.
His Excellency Lt. Govr. Simcoe.
Endorsed:
In Lt, Govr. Simcoe's No, 35 of the 5 Sept, 1794.
[ Q 70, p 39 ]
LT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL FOB
TBADE.
Navy Hall, Sept. 1st 1794.
My Loeds,
In obedience to his Majestys Instructions I am direcetd to make an annual Report to Your Lordships; comprehending therein, every branch of Information which may affect its commerce, population & cultivation; and that may in any degree elucidate its present advantages, or tend to the future benefit of the Kings Dominions; I have been obliged my Lords, to postpone this state, to the present season, not only as I wished — ^in person to investigate the Internal communications of the Province, but as the substitution of a Free & separate form of Government for this Province has occasioned a considerable alteration in the Sources from whence an accurate account of the population was formerly derived; the means which may be adopted to supply this deficiency cannot hereafter be obtained, but under authorities derived from the Legislature, and must be collected from the General assessment, or the Militia Returns which are not yet sufficiently accurate, to display the encrease of a Country whose separate settlements are now united in one most extensive Government. Under these circumstances I offer
28
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
to Your Lordships a more imperfect Report than the magnitude of the subject requires, or than it was my Intention to have submitted.
It appears proper that I should transmit for your Information a slight sketch of the Province, sufficient at the present to elucidate its General description and prior to a more enlarged plan of it which I shall furnish your Lordships with, whensoever it shall be properly executed.
I also beg to offer a map compiled under my own directions of No. 1 Not sent, the parts of N. America, more immediately connected with the Province of Upper Canada.
The Fur Trade has hitherto been the staple of Canada & the protection of it, untill the Establishment of the Government of Far Trade. Upper Canada seems to have been the primary object of all the military arrangements and consequent settlements in the Upper Country.
The actual state and general importance of this Trade, must be perfectly known to their Lordships by the very advantageous cir- cumstances in all respects, of the port of Quebec being the sole place from whence it can be exported to Gt. Britain. My observa- tions on this head will therefore be confined to what may tend to the present protection, or future encrease of some of its branches. The Trade to The Trade to the North West which is carried on by West^^**^ a powerful and enterprizing Company is at -present the Appendix A. most valuable branch of this commerce and is encreasing.
Although the route of this Traffic be through the Province of Upper Canada it is so far without the inhabited part of it, that I can offer no Report on the general state of this branch of the Trade; but what your Lordships can better collect from that of Lower Canada.
The Trade carried on from Michilimacinac which is at pres- ent the general place of deposit upon Lake Huron, to
Michiiimaci- those Rivers which flow into the Mississippi, appears of the utmost importance, as offering the greatest probability of
future advantages.
In the course of these observations the Trade of Detroit next Detroit. comes Under consideration. The war that has so long continued on the Frontier of this District has materially affected its commerce
LiiEUT. GOV. SIMCOE REGARDIJNG AMERICAN TRADE. 29
•
with the Indians, in particular those on the Wabash some time since retired below a port that the United States held at Vincennes & of course the produce of their hunts centered among those people.
It is understood that these Nations have now returned to their former places of residence, & that the commerce will revert to its former course, unless the armies of the United States take Post on the Miamis River, the Channel by which the most considerable part of the peltries are conveyed to Detroit — It is said that in conse- quence of the Indian warriors who are the best hunters, being so often called off to defend their Country, that the encrease of Deer &c has been prodigious.
Some boats are sent from Detroit to the River St Joseph on Lake Michigan as well as to Sandusky & Cayahoga but their Returns are of no great value. ,
This settlement supplies the North West annually with eighty thousand Barrels of Flour & the quantity is encreasing.
The consequence of Detroit depending on the Trade it has hith- erto drawn to itself by being as it were the sole Factory in this part of the Country, must necessarily be gradually lessening as other settlements are forming by the British or United States in its vicinity.
In March last I passed down the River in four days to Detroit With Detroit although its waters had fallen twelve feet. At the Spring by the Thames, time Gullies or Ships of any dimensions fit for the navi- gation of the Lakes may be carried down to Lake Sinclair.
I have the honour to be &c. &c. &c.
J. Graves Simcoe, Lt. Governor of Upper Canada.
To the Lords of the Committee of the Privy Council, for Trade & for- eign Plantations.
[ Q 280-2, p 807 ]
so
COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS.
DUKE OF PORTLAND TO LORD DORCHESTER.
Lord Dorchester, Whitehall, 5th September 1794.
[ No. 3. ] My Lord,
I have received & laid before the King your Lordship's Letters numbered from 37 to 41 inclusive, with their several inolosures.
My Letters to Your Lordship Nos 1 & 2 with another secret of the 6th Ulto render it unnecessary for me to return any particular answer to Nos S7 & 39.
The agreement which has been entered into by Lord Grenville and Mr. Jay, as stated in mine No 1, will of course relieve your Lordship from the apprehensions which have been entertained for the safety of the Posts in our possession on the American side of the Treaty Line, and I have the satisfaction to inform your Lord- ship, that all other matters of dispute between this Country & the American States continue to wear their most favorable appearance of being brought to an early and amicable termination.
No 38 does not require any particular answer. I am confident that your Lordship will be always ready to pay due attention to recommendations from the Bishop of Quebec of persons properly qualified to fulfill the Duties of the Protestant Churches within your Lordship's Government.
I do not find it necessary to make any particular observations upon the minutes of the Executive Council contained in No 40, except that, from the very laudable attention, which I observe your Lord- ship pays to the public Eeceipts & Disbursements, I have the greatest hopes, which I have already expressed in my Letter No 2 that some measures of relieving the Civil List from the charge of Surveys will be adopted by your Lordship.
I have perused Your Lordship's Letter No 41 and its inclosures with peculiar satisfaction; and highly approve of the active and judicious measures taken by your Lordship for the suppression of the seditious & treasonable Practices which have broken out in Lower Canada. The efficient conduct of Mr. Chief Justice Monk, as His Majesty's Attorney General has been highly meritorious, and has shewn himself to be well deserving of the Instance he has received of His Majesty's good opinion in his late appointment to be Chief Justice of His Majesty's Court of King's Bench at Montreal.
I am &c. Portland.
Eodorsed: Drat.
To Lord Grenville, September 1794, No. 3.
[ Q 68, p 214 ]
LIEUT. GOV. SIMCOE TO HENRY DUNDAS, SECY.
31
LIEUT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE TO HBNKY DUNDAS, SEC'Y.
[ No. 35. ] Nayy Hall, 5 September 1794.
Sir,
Sinoe the transmitting of my dispatch No 34, (of which I enclose the Duplicate), to be forwarded by Mr. Hammond, I have received the enclosed Letter from Lt Colonel England.
I have not thought it expedient to move from this place, the season being very sickly, & in addition to the Keasons adduced by Lt. Colonel England for Mr. Waynes Retreat, understanding from the News Papers of the States, that the President has issued a Proclamation against the Insurgents in the neighbourhood of Pitts- burgh who altho' they have assembled avowedly in opposition to > the Excise Laws, I understand, from Mr. Hammond are certainly opposed to the existence of the federal Government & all its measures.
I beg to enclose to you the copy of my observations to Lord Dorchester on the proper means for the Defence of the St Lawrence.
I have just received a letter from Lt Colonel England, dated 31st August, when nothing had particularly oocured. I have the honor to be Sir
with the utmost respect
your most obedient servant.
J. Geayes Simgoe.
To the Right Honorable Henry Dundas, &c. &c. &c.
-Endorsed: Navy Hall, 5th Sepr. 1794. Lt. Govr. Simcoe. R. 15th Octr. No. 35. (Two Inclosures.)
[ Q 70, p 88 ]
LIEUT. COL. J. G. SIMCOE TO HENRY DUNDAS, SEC'y.
Private. Niagara, September 12th 1794.
Sir,
I am to acquaint you that at the moment I am setting off for Detroit, the D. agent Mr. McKee has written to me that in con- sequence of Lord Dorchester's orders, He is on his way to Quebec upon Business of his department. This Gentleman's leaving the Country at this particular Crisis, which I almost presume was not expected by Lord Dorchester may be particularly injurious to the
82
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
King's Interests. The Indians may disperse and all hopes of re-unit- ing them, my present business may be lost and it justifies the many statements I have made to you, Sir, that I as Civil Gov- ernor or Commanding the King's Troops, must be the channel of communication between the commander in chief and the Indian and all other Departments. No man at nine hundred miles distance can possibly pretend to foresee the transactions which may or may not render it necessary for those upon the spot, to suspend general orders or — particular Emergencies.
I have the honour to be
with the most perfect Respect
Sir Your most obedient
& most Humble Servant
^ J. G. SiMCOE.
The Right Honorable Henry Dundas, &c. &c. <fec.
Endorsed; Niagara, 12 Sept. 1794. Lt. Govr. Simcoe. B. 23d Decemr. Dup. Grig.
[ Q 70, p 55 ]
LIEUT. COL. J. G. SIMCOE TO HENRY DUNDAS, SEC'y.
[ No. 37. ]
Navy Hall, September 12th 1794.
Sir,
The very great importance which I have always attached to the occupying of a central situation for the seat of Government in respect to the management of the Indian Nations, seperate from all other considerations is hourly and emminently confirmed. It was therefore, sir, with a certain degree of satisfaction that I received your intimation dated March I6th that Lord Dorchester had received His Majesty's instructions without delay to raise two Provincial Battalions, which then compleated might allow me to occupy the scite fixed upon for London. On the 30th of April, I submitted to His Lordship the Propriety of raising four independent Com- panies to connect the French & English Interests naming the Per- sons most proper to command them and the Garrisons which in case of war they might occupy — and also my belief that three hundred men might possibly be raised from the McDonnells of Glengary, under their own oflBcers ready to act where His Lordship should
LIEUT. GOV. SIMCOE TO HENRY DUNDAS, SECY. 33
think proper (they live at the extremity of this Province and near to Montreal).
On the first of ; July, in answer to a letter of His Lordships dated the 29th of May, containing the King's orders for raising Provincial Corps, I transmitted to him the names of such officers agreeably to his directions, whom I thought most proper for Com- missions in the Regiments then to be raised, but particularly speci- fying that the Canadians of Detroit might be obtained if their services were to be limited to four or five years, and that they were not to be removed far from their places of Kesidence.
On the 7th of September I received his Lordships commands to nominate such officers as I thought likely to raise the men to four Companies, to be succeeded by others as these should be compleated.
His Lordship in his Instructions having limited the Bounty to seven guineas a man, the Commissions to the depending upon forty men being approved of at Montreal, the rendezvous for both Prov- inces, made it necessary for me to observe that I have but little hopes of success— as the King's Troops give an higher bounty for Vagrant People, and the settlers will not be encouraged by the leading Persons of the Province to leave it — especially at their first enlistments and this in a more particular manner will be applicable to the Canadians at Detroit.
Under these circumstances I shall avail myself if war be com- menced, of the Powers of my Commission as administering of the government of Upper Canada & raise Troops for its defence where- soever I can obtain them, trusting that I shall be fully justified in offering the Bounty given by the King's forces.
The not allowing American Rank & Half Pay to the Provincial corps, I am convinced was very injurious to the King's Interests in the late war, and without any adequate reason that I can devise for the measure, will not promote it at the present crisis.
In stating to you. Sir, such steps as may be absolutely necessary in case of Hostilities, I am sure that I shall stand acquitted by you of deviating in the least degree from the General tenor of the Instructions which I have from time to time received from you to prevent as far as my conduct shall have weight, giving any occa- sion to those whose views are to involve Great Britain in this heavy calamity, and which must be particularly injurious to the Establishment of this Province, on which I have placed my hopes of being considered as an useful servant to my King and Country. 5
34
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
I enclose * the last accounts from the Miamis whither I shall immediately proceed.
I have the honour to be with the Greatest Respect
Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant The Right Honorable Henry Dandas, &c. &c. &c. J. Gr. SiMCOE.
Endorsed: Navy Hall, 12 Septr, 1794. Lt. Govt. Simcoe. No. 37. R. 23d Decemr.
[ Q 70, p 57 ]
LORD DORCHESTER TO HENRY DUNDAS, SEC'y.
[ No. 54. ]
Quebec, 13 September 1794.
Sir,
I have this morning received a voluminous Dispatch from Colonel Simcoe dated Niagara the 5th Instant inclosing several Letters from Detroit and Fort Miamis as late as the 30th August, which give an account of the approach of General Wayne's Army, and that an action with the Indians took place on the twentieth, in which they were defeated, and obliged to retire down the River some way below the Fort: Wayne's Troops soon after appeared near it, which occasioned a correspondence between him and Major Campbell of the 24th Regi- ment, copies of which correspondence I enclose, both to do justice to the discretion and good sense of Major Campbell and to correct erronious narratives of a matter which may be hereafter canvassed.
On the 22d at night General Wayne burned some Indian Huts, and, what appeared extraordinary, some Hay which his Cavalry could not but want.
The next day our People learned that his army had retired two miles, the day following four, and in a day or two more his Retreat was confirmed.
Some accounts say he was in great want of Provision ; others that he went back to the Glaize or Fort Grenville to wait for heavy artillery and that he will return in the Fall.
I am with great Respect and Esteen] Sir
Your most obedient humble Servant • The Right Honble Henry Dundas. Dorchester.
Endorsed: Qoebec, 13th Sepr. 1894. Lord Dorchester. No. rti. R. Six Incloenree.t
[ Q 70, p 60 ]
* Not enclosed.
t See Letter of Lt. Gov. J. G. Simcoe to Henry Dandas, with its enclosures. Pages 16 to 24.
LORD DORCHESTER TO LIEUT. GOV. JSIMCOE.
35
J. QUEBEC TO HENRY DUNDAS, SEC'y.
Sir, Powell Place, near Quebec, 15th September 1794.
I have the honor to inform you that I have this Summer oom- pleated the visitation of my Diocese: ^ j ^ ^ ^ r o
A Clergyman has long been wanted at Detroit & another should be sent to York. In the former there is a considerable body of Protestants, & the society of the latter is in a state of progression which peculiarly calls for the residence of a respectable Minister.
I have the honour to be with every sentiment of respect Sir yr, most obedient & most faithful servant
J, Quebec.
The Bight Honble Henry Dundas, <fec, &c. &c. [ Q 69-2, p 285 ]
[ No. 17. ] LORD DORCHESTER TO LIEUT. GOV. J. G. SIMOOE.
Sir, Quebec, 18th Sept. 1794
From the peculiar circumstances which attended the taking the position at the Miamis, in consequence of my letter of 17th Feb- ruary last, I am aware that the Commander in Chief's previous approbation of the expence could not be obtained in conformity to the general orders of the 14th February 1787. The orders for tak- ing Post there having however originated from Head Quarters, the cost of Materials and workmanship will come regularly into the line of military disbursements, but the established regulations should not be forgotten, they require that even in cases of emergency, where the services cannot be previously estimated and approved by the Commander in Chief, that estimate of the Works so begun, should be immediately transmitted. It is now seven months since the date of my letter and yet there is neither estimate nor informa- tion which can convey any Idea of the extent to which it is intended to carry the expence, and accounts have been actually presented for payment to the amount of eleven hundred pounds without the least attention to the established Regulations, which you will be pleased to direct to be complied with immediately.
36
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS,
It might have saved time had you sent a plan & estimate of the Block House and alterations proposed at Fort Lernoult, as soon as I am furnished therewith I shall take them into consideration and give such directions thereon as seem necessary.
I need not observe to you the inconveniences of deviating from the established method of stating specifically the services intended to be performed and the expence of them, otherwise by a general indiscriminate approbation, I may be lead to sanction services, that bad I before known the extent of them, I might not have thought necessary and should by no means have approved.
As to making alteration in the mode at present established for payment of the military disbursements in Upper Canada, I am to refer you to my letters of the 17th October 1793 and 27th — ultimo on this subject, as soon as I receive the information required therein I shall be able to form an opinion, whether the inconvenienoies complained of are owing to defect in the present system or abuse in the administration of it. This it is necessary to ascertain and consider before adopting the mode you propose, which will be attended with such an additional expence, beside the diflSculty and risque of sending specie to Upper Canada.
DORCHESTEK.
Colonel Simcoe.
Endorsed: 7.
In Lord Dorchester's No. 19 to the Doke of Portland of the 31 Jany. 1795.
[ Q 71-2, p 284 ]
[ No. 57. ] LORD DORCHESTER TO HENRY DUNDAS, SEC'y.
Sir, Quebec, 20 September 1794.
I enclose a copy of a sketch I have received this morning shew- ing the Position of the Indians, and the Forces under General Wayne, in the engagement which took place on the 20th Ultimo, as mentioned in my Letter No 54.
I am with great Respect and Esteem Sir
Your most obedient humble Servant
Dorchester.
The Right Honble Henry Dundas.
Endorsed; Quebec , 20th Septr. 1794. Lord Dorchester. No. 57. R. 6 Feby. 1795. One inclosure.
[ Q 70, p 63 ]
Map of the Battlefield of August 20, 1794.
LORD DORCHESTER TO LIETJT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE. 37 LETTER FROM SIR JOHN JOHNSON.
Twickenham, 23d Sepr. 1794,
Dear Sir,
By this morning's Post I received a letter from Mr. Chew, Sec- retary to the Indian Department, dated Montreal the 24th August 1794, an Extract of which, together with a copy of a letter from Mr. McKee, Deputy Agent for Indian Affairs at Detroit, I think it my duty to inclose herewith, for the information of His Majesty's Ministers, least the report might not have been received by Lord Dorchester in time for his last Dispatch. I have the honor to be with great regard
Dear Sir
Your most obedient
Humble Servant
John Johnson.
[ Q 69-2, p 231 ]
LORD DORCHESTER TO LIEUT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE.
[ No. 22. ]
Quebec, 26th Sept. 1794.
Sir,
Having stated that self defence required we should occupy a post upon the Miamis, and that we should prevent Detroit from being straitened either by Land or Water, in consequence of these Gen- eral Instructions works near the Miamis falls have been carried on, but the regulations relative to the incurring expences have been altogether disregarded as I have observed in my Letter No 17.
The accounts presented for payment were of course referred to the Board of Accounts, who have rejected them as not conformable to order. Extraordinary expences to the extent of four hundred fifty nine pounds, nineteen shillings and nine pence have been likewise incurred in the Marine Department at Detroit, whether under the general Instructions above mentioned does not appear, but supposing this an emergency also which could not await the previous approba- tion of the Commander in Chief, yet as the particulars of the ser- vice and required estimates do not appear, the board have consid- ered them in the same light as the former.
The accounts of Expences incurred at the Miamis in consequence of the above recited General Instructions, were commenced under
38 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
your immediate order yet they carry no testimonial thereof, or of having been submitted to your inspection or approbation previous to their being sent to Quebec for payment, nor does it appear that you have had any opportunity of judging how far they were con- formable to the directions you had given concerning them. It would seem a matter of course, that where services are performed under the immediate orders of an officer commanding at a distance that before the accounts are sent to Head Quarters for payment, they should be submitted to his inspection, that he may be able to ascertain how far they are correspondent to the orders and direc- tions he has given.
By the General Order of the 29th May last, the officers com- manding Posts, when they find it necessary in cases of emergency to incur expence without previous approbation, are directed imme- diately to transmit Estimates of the Workmanship and Materials to Head Quarters.
It has been reported to Lieutenant Colonel Mann by the Assist- ant Engineer at Detroit, that Lieutenant Colonel England had ordered several services to be immediately carried into execution, but as the above mentioned order has not been complied with on the part of Lieutenant Colonel England, he, I presume, does not con- sider them as coming under the head^ of Military Expenditures to be paid out of the Military Chest.
DOECHESTER.
Colonel Simcoe.
Endoreed:: 8.
In Lord Dorchester's No. 19 to the Duke of Portland of the 31 Jany 1795.
[ Q 71-2, p 287 ]
JOHN CRAIGIE, COMMISSARY. GENERAL TO LORD DOECHESTER.
Quebec, 2nd October 1794.
My Loed,
Your Lordship's having desired that I should state my opinion on the subject of the General Order Upper Canada of the 11th September, whereby the Commissaries of the different posts are required to obey such Instructions as they from time to time may receive from the Agent for making purchases in the Province, necessary for victualling His Majesty's Troops in garrison for the due execution of his office.
DUKE OF PORTLAND TO LIEUT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE. 39
I beg leave to submit that as all directions for lodging at the several posts the supplies of provisions required for His Majesty's Troops must originate with Your Lordship, the necessary orders for the receival, of the supplies, may, according to my opinion be con- veyed to the Commissaries in the usual channel, at the same time that the orders are sent for providing them, without delay, or injury to the service, and that subjecting the Commissaries to receive Instructions which may vary, or prove contradictory to those issued by the officer, acting under Your Lordship's command as Head of the Department must be productive of great confusion, and in all probability detriment to the Service, more especially if the Agent from whom these* Instructions proceed, does not himself act under Instructions from Your Lordship as commander in chief. I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obedient
humble Servant
John Craigie.
Corny. General.
His Excellency, The Eight Honble Lord Dorchester, &g. &c. &c.
Endorsed: C.
In Lt. Govr. Simcoe's of the 19th Deer. 1794. In Lord Dorchester's No. 25 to Colonel Simcoe.
[ Q 281-1, p 117 ]
DUKE OF PORTLAND TO LT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE.
Lt. Gov. Simcoe, Whitehall, 4:th Oct. 1794.
[ No. 3. ]
Sib,
No.25,June30. I have received and laid before the King Your Letters ^ ~2i Secretary Dundas of the numbers & dates men-
26, Jniy 3; tioued in the . margin, with their respective Inclosures.
Colonel McKee is certainly a proper person for a seat at the Executive Council, whenever there is a vacancy.
In the mean time whatever will ensure a more regular and faith- ful discharge of the Publick Duty, in the custody as well as the
40
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
distribution of the Indian Stores, should be adopted — The want of method, and the consequent Embezzlements of those stores which have lately taken place, are disgraceful in the extreme.
The re-union of the Six Nations with the Western Nations and the General Confederacy, which appears to have taken place between them and other nations to the South and West, are certainly events, which may lead in their effects, to the obtaining, and possibly thro' our mediation, such a Boundary as, in a great measure, may answer the views of His Majesty's Confidential Servants, & with which you are already perfectly well acquainted. On this therefore, and many other accounts, the confidence and good opinion of the Indians must be duly cultivated and maintained; and as the uninterrupted freedom of our trade with them on the American side, is likely to be secured to us, your suggestion relative to the Ouisconsin River and the Western side of the Mississippi, may eventually become an object deserving very great attention.
I am &c
Portland.
Endorsed: Drat.
To Lt. Govr. Simcoe, Oct. 1794. No. 3.
[ Q 280-1, p 281 ]
COUNCIL AT brown's TOWN.
Proceedings of a Council held at Brown's Town, October 11th 1794. Present,
Lieut. Governor John Graves Simcoe, Esqr. Col. McKee, Sup. Intend., Capt. Elliott, Asst. Agent,
Lieut. Pilkington, R. Engrs., Lieut. Selby, 5th Regt., Ens. Mayne, Q's. Rangers, Ens. McKee, 2 Bat. 60 Regtu
Capt. Brant, Brothers,
I speak in the name of our Father, and also of the part of the 6 Nations present, to know whether all the nations are assembled.
The Miamis were absent and sent for.
COUNCIL. AT BROWN'S TOWN.
41
Indian Nations Present.
Six Nations,
Ottawas,
Chippewas,
Poutawatamies,
Cherokees,
Munseys.
Wyandots, Delawares, Shawenoes, Miamis,
Captain Brant — with Black and White Strings of Wampnm. Bbothers,
I speak in the name of our Father to express his thankfulness that the Great Spirit has permitted us to assemble here at this time and that he has given us a clear sky to go through the old customs of Our Forefathers, by condoling with you for the loss of your relations and friends. The 6 Nations speak with him on this occasion, and we wipe the tears from your eyes and remove the sorrow from your heart, for the loss you have sustained; we now place your hearts in the proper places again, and clear your throats that you may be as before.
Delivered the Strings to the Wyandots.
Oapt. Brant again with 3 Black Belts.
Brotheks,
We have now cleared your eyes and your hearts for the loss of your friends, The 6 Nations join your father in burying their bones, with these Belts we gather them all together and put them in a good place where neither Sun nor Rain can touch them ; and so we cover them ; This is the Ancient Custom of our Forefathers which we now fulfil; I do not go through all the old customs but I have gone right forward along with our Father in the perform- ance of this Ceremony.
Delivered a Belt to the
Capt Brant — A Black Belt with diagonal white lines and ends.
I speak for our Father, and the 6 Nations and therefore say- Children and Brothers the Wyandots you have met with] the great- est loss the Great Spirit having permitted the principal Chiefs who formerly sat at this Council fire to fall, the Big Knives were the cause of this loss, but dont let your Spirits fail you, be of good heart let us leave all to the Great Spirit above, whom we doubt not will
Wyandots, Delawares,
Shawenoes, Ottawas.
6
42
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
yet stand your friend and protect you, we speak to you also, Dela- wares, Shawenoes, and all other nations who have sustained loss on the late occasion.
Brothers,
Consider what is best for us now to do for the advantage of our women our children and our warriors. This is ye step our Fore- fathers have always followed in like Circumstances.
Delivered the Belt to the Wyandots.
Capt Brant, with Black & White Strings.
Brothers,
I speak to you in the name of your Father, he sees your Fire is almost extinguished he now rekindles it that the smoke thereof may as usual reach to the skies and that all Nations far and near may see it. You Wyandots are the Gardians of this Council Fire & you will constantly keep it well kindled and clean swept.
Delivers the Strings to the Wyandots.
Brothers,
Black Strings with a little white mixed.
Now since this Council fire is again rekindled; Your Fathers advice to you is to reunite yourselves and do what is best for th© general Interest of all Nations of our Colour.
Delivered the Strings to the Wyandots.
Brothers,
What your Father and the 6 Nations have spoke to you, and we sincerely mean what we have said, we will now cover the Council fire for this Evening, and meet again in the morning.
Wyandot Chief.
We thank our Father and the Six Nations for what they have said to us, we now cover the Council Fire and in the morning we shall speak to you.
October 12th 1794.
Present as yesterday.
Wyandot Chief. Father!
I hope you will listen to us & we hope the 6 Nations will listen to us. We have considered what you said to us yesterday & we have now lighted up the Council Fire which our Father rekindled : We address ourselves also to all the other Nations and now inform you and them that your children & Nephews the Delawares will speak first.
A Delaware Chief, with white Strings, Returned thanks for the ceremony of condolence performed yesterday, & on the behalf of
COUNCIL. AT BROWN'S TOWN.
43
the other Nations and removed any bad impressions that may have been made upon their hearts and that they might now only listen to the interest of the Confederacy — & also condoled with their Father and wiped away his tears &c for the loss of his friends.
Wyandot Chief, holding the Black and White Strings which he received yesterday.
Fathee,
Listen to what your children have to say, listen also you 6 Nations and all the other Nations — You spoke to us yesterday Father, and told us you was sorry to see us with the tears in our eyes and full of sorrow for the loss of our head men. You then told us you cleared the tears from our eyes that we might see clearly round this Council fire which you rekindled; you also desired us to reunite ourselves and cleared our ears and throats that there might be no stoppage and that we might understand and attend to what you said to us. Then taking up the Black Belt delivered yesterday.
Fathee & Beothees, the 6 Nations,
After you cleared away our sorrow you spoke on this belt, and gathered together the bones of all our decayed friends and put them under the earth that neither rain nor sun should ever affect them afterwards. We therefore Father, and Brothers the 6 Nations, return you thanks for what you have done, you have settled our hearts and put our minds to rest.
Taking up the Black & White Strings.
Fathee and Beothees, the 6 Nations,
After you had contented our minds, you told us to be strong and not be uneasy. You saw plainly our fire was nearly out and you rekindled it that the smoke might ascend to the Skies; that all the Nations here and afar off might see it. We return you thanks for that also Father. You desired us likewise to be strong and consider what is best for us to do, we return you thanks for it Father, and you the (5 Nations — who spoke to us at ye same time.
Taking up the Strings of Black wampum. '
Fathee and Beothees, the 6 Nations,
Listen to what your Children and Brothers have to say to you; You spoke to us and desired us to be strong and not take to heart what the Great Spirit had permitted; You desired us also to do the best for our Women and Children and to take care of the Council Fire; We thank you sincerely and will take your advice, in all you
44
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
have said; and we will constantly attend to this Council fire which you have now rekindled for us. We will keep the council house clean swept and a bright JSre shall always be seen in it.
Taking up the Black and White Strings. Fathee,
Listen to what your children say I speak in behalf of all Nations here; You have taken the tears from our Eyes and every thing is now clear before us. Father, we are not the only people who have lost Friends; Father you have lost Friends as well as us, we there- fore on behalf of all the Nations present wipe away your tears, clear away your grief. Settle your heart and burry their bones as you have done ours.
Delivered the Strings to the Governor.
Black and White Strings. Father,
Listen to us and you also the 6 Nations you know Father, the Nations present, are represented by me you have rekindled our Coun- cil Fire and we will be strong and carry on our business as we formerly did.
Delivered the Strings to ye Governor.
Taking up a White Belt wt. white Strings. Father,
Listen to Your Children the Wyandots, and you also the 6 Nations listen to us, You told us to be strong and speak to our warriors, to see what is best for us to do. Father we have been a long time at war with the Virginians, eleven years.
We have long expected your assistance. You have always told us Father, you expected orders from the Great Father over the Great Lake, we now request of you, Father to tell us whether it is in your power to assist us now. We have long been fighting for our Country and we will be ready immediately as soon as you let us know that your Warriors are ready to join us, we speak for all the Nations present.
Delivered the Belt and Strings to the Governor. Father,
This is all we have to say at present, perhaps some of the other Nations may have something to say tomorrow and we hope our business will then be closed, and that you may not be any longer detained.
COUNCIL AT BROWN'S TOWN.
45
Lieut Governor Simcoe then said. Children,
The words you have spoken to me require great attention and as soon as I hear what Bgonshawa and the other Nations have to say, I will give you an answer. I request our meeting may be early in the morning. •
The Wyandot Chief spoke again.
Father,
I forgot in my speech to take notice of our want of Arms, Ammunition and such things as Warriors are in need of, and we hope you will give directions for our receiving a proper supply in our present situation.
Oct 13th.
present as before; and Capt Pratt 5th Regt. Lieut Governor Simcoe's Speech. [Sic]
Oct, 14th.
Present as on the first day.
Wyandot Chief, Father,
I am very glad to see you once more in our Council House. Father you are now on your Feet to return home, but we first wish to say a few words to you, and our Brothers the 6 nations will speak for us.
Capt Brant with the Belts the Governor delivered yesterday.
Father,
Listen to us. We are very glad to see you again in our Council House, what you said here yesterday is very true. You also men- tioned about the Americans and the French and we know it to be all true. You took the pains also Father to mention the Boundary fixed by Sr. Wm. Johnson which we are sensible of as well as the regard our Father always had for us.
Father,
You told us also to follow the advice our Great Father always gave us to be strong, and united, this is agreeable to our old cus- tom— You told us also Father if ever the Virginians came again you would order your Warriors to fire on them : we return you thanks for having done so.
46
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Father,
You told us to be stroug, we will be so and do the best we can to unite ourselves for our common benefit. Then taking up a black and white belt.
Father,
Listen to a few words more we have to say; your children have been now eleven years fighting; you always gave us reason to hope for your assistance. We are now low spirited by waiting so long, and we are nearly at the end of our expectations.
Father,
Your children hope that now you are going downwards you will mention to our Father below what we have said to you, & beg of him to tell us whether we are to expect any assistance and how soon we may expect it.
This is all we have to say we will wait for an answer and hope it will be as soon as possible.
Father,
Your children here pray for a pleasant voyage and your safe arrival.
Copy from the minutes as interpreted by S. Girty.
P. Selby, Lt. 5th Eegt.
Endorsed : E.
la Lt. Govr. Simcoe's No. 14 to the Dake of Portland of the 22d Deer, 1794.
[ Q 281-1, p 207 ]
COUNCIL OF THE SIX NATIONS,
In consequence of a request from the Chiefs of the Six Nations at Buffaloe Creek to attend a Council which was to be held by them with the Americans at Canadarque, at which I was not to speak or to be at all an actor, but to remain quiet, and afterwards to give them my advice, and see justice in every respect done them ; with His Excellency Governor Simcoe's permission, I sett off from Buffaloe Creek (20th October), accompanied by an Indian and arrived at Canadarque (25th), which on entering at first I met the Chiefs at their Encampment, and told them, that agreeable to their request I had now arrived, and that I had a message from Captain Brant, who with His Excellency Governor Simcoe had arrived from Detroit, and that whenever they thought proper I would
COUNCIL OF THE SIX NATIONS.
47
deliver them Captain Brant's naessage. I had not been in this encampment but a few minutes before I was interrupted in my conversation by an American Interpreter, and a Captain Richardson who desired I would accompany them to Colonel Pickering's as it was his wish. On my arrival he told me to walk into the House, and asked me what news — I said Governor Simcoe had arrived as also Capt. Brant, from whom I had a message for the Six Nations, and also informed him that Captain Brant had said, that there was an appearance of a Reconciliation taking place between the hostile Indians and the United States, if proper steps were adopted for that purpose.
At this time the Corn Planter or O'Bail came in, and took me by the hand, congratulated me upon my arrival, and said that now his mind was easy, and trusted that Colonel Pickering would not be otherwise, as I was the person the Six Nations had chosen to be present at this Treaty, and to be a witness of all their proceed- ings and could wish that Colonel Pickering would allow me to see all that had passed since his arrival there with them, To which Colonel Pickering did not deign to give an answer. At this time about leaving the House, O'Bail remarked and said Nephew dont leave the room as the Council begins directly, to which I said, I was only going to see Mr. Street, who lodged at a little distance, and that I would return directly.
I had scarcely seated myself at Mr. Streets before I was dodged, by two men to that place, and a little after a message came from the Chiefs for my attendance at the Council, to which I repaired.
The Farmer's Brother rose as speaker and said as the Oneidas had two principal chiefs to bury, and as it was their desire the Six Nations should attend the funeral, no business could be done, but that the fire for that day should be covered up — In the evening the chiefs came to my lodgings and requested I would deliver Cap- tain Brant's message to them, part of which was to the following purport.
That he Captain Brant had met the Western Indians in Council, and that he had not the least doubt, but that the western Indians would adopt such measures as they the Six Nations should think most prudent in the present crisis, provided they with resolution should abide by the Line proposed by them and the Lake Indians last year at the Foot of the Rapids, and that when they had fin- ished their Business at Canadarque, that they without delay, return
48
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
to their own fire place — Buffaloe Creek — ^where he would immediately meet them.
Next day (October 26), the Chief came and led me to the Council fire. The Corn Planter speaker, who told Colonel Pickering they were now ready to proceed to business and they informed him of the tenor of Captain Brant's message brought by me and that they were happy to see the British and the People of the United States side by side in Council as that was always their wish, so that all business might be done in a fair open and equitable manner, and that he, (meaning myself) who had brought Captain Brant's message and who has the care of us should be present at this Treaty, and then he, the Corn Planter explained Captain Brant's message in the presence of Tim- othy Pickering and Quakers, who attended also the Council, after which the Farmers Brother said as follows.
Brothers,
You must have taken notice since the arrival of this man (point- ing to me with his finger and emphatically expressing himself) This man, I say is a British agent, and a Spy, and as such I know him, I have been much displeased, my appearance must have shewn it you, and what I contain in my Heart, my countenance cannot hide, and I now tell you I can scarcely forbear my indignation, in doing things which may be very disagreeabe to him (exclaiming) an agent, a Spy, to attend a Treaty called by the United States, I am afraid Brothers my resentment will break out!!! Judge yourselves Brothers what would have been the consequence if the United States should send a man of this kind to a British Council fire? I will tell you ! ! ! They would have said, you fellow, what is your business here? and how dare you come? Take him by the shoulders and kick him out, and even that would not have suflBced them, they would have called to their Red Coats and ordered him to the Guard House, and to be put in Irons, and now Brothers, how can I feel, I tell you again I can hardly forbear proceeding to extremities (again exclaiming) an agent, a Spy, to obtrude himself on us in the good work we are going about.
Brothers,
I will ask you a question. You have always put the greatest confidence in your Friends the Quakers. It is by your request they attend this Treaty, have not you always found them exactly just in all their dealings with you?
COUNCIL. OF THE SIX NATIONS.
49
Brotheks,
You likewise put confidence in me, it is by your sole request that I am now here, and why ask or seek for a British agent, I say a spy, to be present at this Council? nor can I think of his fur- ther attendance, nor will I sit with him in Council, and whilst he remains here, no business can be done.
Brothers,
I will now explain to you the usage of the British Government towards the United States, you well know the United States sent Commissioners to treat with the hostile Indians — I was one of these Commissioners appointed for that purpose, and on our arrival at Niagara, Governor Simcoe was applied to for a vessel to convey us to the Westward, which was not only readily granted, but said if one was not suflScient he would let us have another, now,
Brothers,
Listen to the sequel & you will find out the Intrigues and Insid- ious conduct of the British Government and their usage towards us.
During our stay at Niagara Deputies arrived from the Westward accompanied by Colonel Butler and Captain Brant at which time Governor Simcoe already told us, that we could expect no Treaty or Peace to take place that Season now,
Brothers,
How or by what means could that come to his knowledge? I will again tell you it is the same British and their agents, that prevented that good work of Peace from taking place, about leav- ing Niagara Governor Simcoe said that the vessel should be per- fectly at our discretion to carry us where we thought proper, and taking me by the hand again and again and wishing every success to our Commission.
Brothers,
On our arrival at the mouth of the Kiver Detroit, thinking that the distance between us and the Indians, was too great for expe- ditious communications, we therefore wished to go to the Miamis Bay. But judge of our Surprise and Astonishment when we were told by the Captain that he was not under our directions but those of Captain Bunbury, who taking a Paper from his Pocket said if we chose to go to Sandusky we might proceed there. Brothers,
For what purpose? but J^o remove us to a greater distance from 7
50
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
the IndiaDS, as the British well knew the Treaty was not to be held at that place.
Brothers,
The British and their agents are the sole causes and fomenters of these disturbances between us and the hostile Indians. Now judge yourselves, how we must have felt, from the Insults and insolence of these People, and again explaining.
Brothers,
You will not wonder now at the Indignation and Abhorrence that I feel at seeing in the Bosom of our Council their Agents and Spies I have alluded to.
Brothers,
I will tell you when I was at Niagara, I was shewn a letter by Oovernor Simcoe's Secretary from Lord Dorchester, forbidding the Interference of the British across the Line (of which I have a copy) and what must you now think of the Insolence of the Brit- ish towards us, when I have to inform you that only a few days ago, he Governor Simcoe sent two of his young oflScers to the Big Sodus, where Captain Williamson was making improvements on Land which he had bought, to order him to desist, as he was then encroaching on the British Rights, and by the same Right broth- ers he may order all our Settlers in this Quarter from our farms.
Brothers,
The People of the United States cannot, nor will they patiently bear all their gross Insults, and in order to redress them they have sent Mr. Jay to the British Court as Ambassador to demand back all those vessels which they have taken from us on the high seas, to supply our Friends & your Fathers the French with Provisions who are now fighting for liberty and who have cut off their King's Head being the last badge of slavery & tyranny, and have now become a free and Independent People as you are Brothers, and as we are and are now fighting entirely to destroy that Yoke of Slavery and tyranny under which they have too long groaned. But our friends we are happy to say prove not only victorious in every Quarter against those Red Coats, altho' they have other Nations to assist them in endeavouring to keep that Yoke of Tyranny around their necks, but are adding to their Territory and making conquests in other Countries; and we now perceive the British Again wish to be on a friendly footing with us, but.
COUNCIL. OF THE SIX NATIONS.
51
Brothers,
I tell you untill they give up the Posts (mentioning them each particularly and in vehement manner) we cannot live friends with 1;hem for which purpose amongst other things we have sent, to the British Court, Mr. Jay, and if the Posts are given up we may live friendly with them, and if there is not a general Peace, it will be owing to the British Pride.
True it is the United States have never asked the assistance of British Mediation, nor will they ever; They despise it but your assistance we have asked, and we may ask it again, and for which already the United States return you many thanks, and we are con- vinced you have done every thing in your power to bring about a Peace, and the British Agents done every thing in their power to prevent its taking place, now,
Brothers,
I have mentioned but a few Instances of their reiterated Inso- lence, as it would take up too much of your time for me to tell the half of it. They have even a very few weeks ago encroached upon the limits and rights of the United States, in building a Fort at the Miamis Rapids.
Brothers,
As an Individual I am not proud, It is not for my high offices I hold under government. No!!! nor is it for my Riches, for I have them not! nor for my understanding, for I have but little of that, nor for my eloquenc^ for I possess it not. But I am pKJud as an honest and upright man, and as a member of a free & Inde- pendant Community.
Brothers,
How, now can you think I can sit Quietly in Council with one of these Agents, or Spies for I will call them by no other name «(then making use of many menacing gestures in order to inflame the minds of the Indians against me) and said that I had hid from them the news of Governor Simcoe's arrival, and for what reason? because Tie waited for the Instructions from him, meaning Governor Simooe, and other Insinuations of the same kind, why could not I have accompanied my friend Mr. Street who had been there already ten •days? No he has not had assurance enough, but now comes in a <50wardly manner.
52
COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS.
Brothers,
Now again I say, how can I sit in Council with People of this stamp, no, I can never submit to it, as it is my orders to allow no British Agent or Spy to be present at the Council fire of the United States, and
Brothers,
Should you insist upon it, That bright chain of friendship which now exists between you and the United States must rust, and I will say that rust will destroy that chain and I will be under the necessity of covering up our Council fire, for as long, as he is here (pointing to me) we can do no business.
Brothers,
I know you to be men of sense, and understanding, and leave you to judge for yourselves. The White People after this left the House & the Chiefs to themselves.
In the evening the Chiefs came to my quarters, O'Bail Speaker, and expressed their sorrow, that things of so disagreeable a nature had taken place that day when they could not conceive they had done amiss in taking me by the hand & in wishing me to attend their Council; That the whole Business that had been mentioned that day, they were utter strangers to, and that they bad felt for the treatment I had met with, but hoped that it would make no Impression on me, and as Pickering had so determinedly opposed my being in that Quarter, they wished for Peace sake, I should remove, but that I might dejiend that they would insist before leav- ing that place, that every transaction should be committed to writ- ing, that I might judge of their Proceedings and that they should be sent to Governor Simcoe.
O'Bail still Speaker.
We will send a message by you to Capt Brant, that he may make his mind easy, for that we will not deviate from the agree- ment made with the Lake Indians last year in regard to the Boundary Line, and as soon as we have heard what Colonel Pick- ering has to say we will return to Buffaloe Creek, and attend our Council fire agreeable to his desire.
Wm. Johnson, Interpreter Ind. Dept. Upper Canada.
[ Q 71-1, p 118 ]
COL. PICKERING'S SPEECH AT KONONDAIGUA COUNCIL.
53
LT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE TO LORD DORCHESTER.
Extract of a Letter from Lieutenant Governor Simcoe to the Right Honble Lord Dorchester dated Navy Hall October 24th 1794.
"I inclose to Your Lordship my reply to the Indian Speech; which had it been seasonable I should have published.
I had not received the General proceeds, properly arranged from Colonel McKee when I sailed, on my receipt of them they shall be. duly transmitted to Your Lordship, the speech was to require positive assistance from the British and Six Nations, and to say they were ready to accompany us on an immediate attack on the Forts."
My reply followed and it was understood the Council was ended. However the next day, Brant passing over that part of the address meant for himself, spoke in behalf of all the Nations, desiring of me to communicate their wishes to your Lordship and to request to know from you what assistance could be given them."
Eadorsed: B.
In Lord Dorchester's No. 15 to the Dake of Portland, of the let Jany 1795.
[ Q 71-1, p 109 ]
SPEECH OF COL. PICKERING AT COUNCIL AT KONONDAIGUA.
In a Council at Konondaigua Saturday October 25th 1794. Present
Col. Pickering Commissr. of the United States, Four gentlemen of the Society of Quakers, who had come from Philadelphia to attend this Treaty at the request of the Chiefs at Buffaloe Creek, other Citizens of the United States, and the Chiefs and others of the Six Nations.
Captain O'beal or the Corn Planter rose, and spoke, the following are extracts from the Corn Planter's speech.
"I wonder what is the reason, that ever since the peace the "British, and Americans, people of one colour, cannot sit side by *'side with the Indians, when we concluded to attend this Treaty, we "the Sachems and Warriors requested, that the person who had the "care of us, (meaning William Johnstone the British interpreter) "should be present to see what passed and we are well, pleased to "see him here," then the Corn Planter repeated the Speeches which Mr. Johnston had brought from Captn Brant who had just returned from a Council with the Western hostile Indians.
54
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
After this Colonel PiokeriDg rose, and addressed the Six Nations in substance as follows, — ,
Brothees,
By the remarks you have made, I find that you suppose me to be displeased, with the appearance of Mr. Johnston, a British Interpreter at] the Council fire kindled by the U. States, you must have seen that displeasure in my countenance, for it is not easy for me to conceal my feelings, what I feel in my heart, appears on my face, but while you have discovered my dissatisfaction, you have wondered what can be the cause, you wonder why, the Brit- ish and Americans, people of one colour, cannot sit side by side^ at a Treaty with the Indians.
Brothers,
I will tell you the reason, and then you will cease to wonder. I expected to have done this yesterday but the deaths of the Oneida Chiefs, obliged us to postpone the business till to-day, and I do not now regret the delay, for it would then have been more difficult; to have restrained my indignation at the intrusion of a British Spy; to excuse Mr. Johnston's appearance, at this Council, you have told me that he came by your invitation, and you speak of him as having the care of you. Why then Brothers did he not come along with you? Will he pretend he was not ready? if he has the care of you, he ought to be ready at your call, or if an unforseen accident prevented his starting with you, why did he not come forward with Mr. Street who has been here many days.
Brothers,
I will tell you why he did not come before, notwithstanding your invitation, he would have staid at home, for he saw the impropri- ety of intruding himself into the Councils of the U. States he had not assurance, he had not impudence enough, to come without orders from his employers, he therefore waited 'til Governor Simooe arrived from the Westward, and as soon after as he received his orders, and instructions, then he came forward, I am warranted therefore in calling him a British Spy.
Brothers,
When it was proposed that a treaty should be held, between you and the United States you requested that I might be appointed to kindle the Council fire, hence I supposed that you had a confi- dence in me, grounded on your experience of my attention to your interests, when you desired some Gentlemen of the Society of
COL. PICKERING'S SPEECH AT KONONDAIGUA COUNCIL. 55
Quakers might be present, I supposed it arose from the confidence you placed in them founded on the remembrance of their kindness to you, and to your forefathers, and a belief that they would be unwilling to countenance any attempts to wrong you, now Brothers, when they and I have come forward under these circumstances, upon your special invitation what do you think must be our sen- timents on seeing a British Agent introduced to be a Spy on our Conduct.
Beothers,
You have often intimated to me that it was pride, which pre- vented the Americans from sitting side by side with the English in Treaties with the Indians.
Brothers,
For myself, I confess that I am proud, but mine is not the pride of rank, for mine is not much elevated, and in every station I have considered, and treated the poorest, and lowest of mankind as my Brothers, 'tis not the pride of wealth, for I am not rich, 'tis*not the pride of knowledge, for I have but little, 'tis not the pride of understanding for mine is moderate, 'tis not the pride of eloquence for I am an indifferent speaker; what then makes me proud? conscious integrity and truth: proud in truth, I will not deceive you, proud in integrity, I will never do you wrong.
Brothers,
You have invited Mr. Johnston to attend this Council but did you ever invite an American agent to attend your Councils, with the British or suppose you had given such an invitation suppose the President had sent one of our Interpreters here (pointing to Mr. Parish & Mr. Jones) to a Council you were holding with Governor Simcoe in Canada, how do you think our interpreter would be received, not feeling myself the height of British pride, I cannot truly describe to you his reception, if he were onlj' ordered instantly to quit the Council, and the Province, and escape a kick- ing, or being put in Irons, he might think himself happy, Brother, this alone is a sufficient reason for excluding a British Agent from the Council fires kindled by the U. States, but there are many other reasons, some of which I will mention.
Brothers,
We are a free, and independent Nation, treating with the Six
Nations, who also profess to be free, and independent, and whatever
difficulties arise between us, we can meet and confer on the means
56
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
of removing them without the interference of any other Nation whatever, but especially brothers the U. States have never asked the mediation of the British and we never shall ask it, until they give some proofs of their sincerity, Brothers, since we have been at war with the Western Indians, the United States have requested your assistance to bring about a peace between us and the people of your own colour, we asked your aid because we believed you to be our friends, and that you would act with sincerity. You complied with our request, and for more than two years you have been striving to restore peace, we thank you for your exertions altho' they have been unsuccessful, and why were they unsuccessful? What has prevented a peace between us and the Western Nations? I answer without hesitation, the British prevented it. Beothers,
In the Speech from the Western Indians sent you by Capt Brant, and which you have just repeated to me they say "That *'when you and they met last summer, the business did not go on ''according to the desire of the meeting" and they subjoin the reason of it. "They were led astray." Now I ask who led them astray? Not the Six Nations, for they exerted themselves to keep them in the straight path that would have led to peace, who then led them astray? Not the U. States for you know we were not suffered to speak to them, who then I again ask, did lead them astray? I answer the British. Brothers,
When you returned last year from the Westward, you remember that you assembled at your Council fire at Buffaloe Creek, and that General Chapin was present, at that time Capt Brant, Col. Butler, Captn. Bunbury, Major Powel Mr. Sheehan & Mr. Johnston, being together one day at Winneys. Capt Brant asked Genl. Chapin what prevented, the Treatys taking place between the Commissrs. of the U. States and the Western Indians. General Chapin answered he did not know but probably he Capt Brant could tell upon which Capt Brant replied, I will tell your what prevented it the British prevented it, and I say it here to their faces, the British were silent. Brothers,
I will not attempt to recount all the instances of British injus- tice, and British pride, that have produced the antipathy between them, and the Americans, which you have noticed, but I will tell you some of them.
COL. PICKERING'S SPEECH AT KONONDAIGUA COUNCIL. 57
Brothers,
By the treaty of peace, the King engaged to give up to us all the Forts on the American side of the Boundary line then agreed on, yet he has kept possession of them to this day. I have here- tofore told you what was Lord Dorchester's explanation of that Treaty as it respected the boundary line ^Hhat beyond it the King would not extend his interference/' yet he has not only kept pos- session of the old posts, but lately erected a new one over the Boundary line agreed on. You know that Governor Simcoe last Spring built a Fort at the foot of the rapids of the Miamis, and placed in it a garrison of British Troops. I must now tell you of a fresh piece of British Insolence. You all know that the Country where we are setting, is within the U. States, You Seneca's know that you sold this Country to Mr. Phelps, and that it extended along these lines (shewing them on the map) to Lake Ontario, here (shewing the place) the Eastern line came to Great Sodus Bay, this land was sold by Mr. Phelps, and now belongs to Capt Wil- liamson who this Summer began a settlement at that Bay, as soon as this came to Governor Simooe's Ears, he sent some of his offi- cers with an order to Captain Williamson, to desist from his attempt and quit the Country, for he considered, that the Settle- ment as an encroachment on the King's rights. Brothers,
We had long patiently endured the insolence of the British, but we shall endure it no longer, this gross insult was not to be borne, accordingly when Captain Williamson had reported Simcoe's orders to the President of the U. States, and the Governor of New York. Orders were sent him to stand his ground, and oppose force to force, and the Governor of New York sent orders to me of his Chief Warriors, to get his Warriors ready, and if the British attempted to disturb the Settlement at Sodus Bay, to attack and kill them or drive them into the Lake. Brothers,
You recollect the violent inJflammatory speech of Lord Dorchester's, which the British interpreted to you, last Spring at Buffaloe Creek, his talk was like that of governor Simcoe, he said that a war would probably take place, between the British and Americans, and then the Settlements in all this Country here would be considered as encroachments on the right of the King. Brothers, that Speech of Lord Dorchester's was so carefully interpreted to you in order 8
58
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
to prepare your minds for war, and to take up the hatchet ono& more, against the United States.
Bbothers,
Beyond no doubt it was the intention of the King, and his Counsellors, to make war on the U. States and for what? We had done them no injury.
Beothers,
Since we refused to subscribe to their tyranny, since we threw the King on his hack & established our independance, they have borne us no good will, they would gladly make another attempt to enslave us, and they thought a fair opportunity presented.
I must tell you something about the affairs on the other side the Great Water, the French whom you knew, were governed by a King, his warriors assisted the Americans in the late war with the British, in America the French saw how we managed our affairs, that they were not directed by one man at his pleasure, but by wise counsellors whom we ourselves chose for the purpose, the French being an intelligent people, soon learnt how we conducted our business, and were pleased with it when they went home they wished to have their business managed in like manner by wise counsellors of their own choosing, and would no longer submit to the tyranny of a King, they accordingly threw him down, and cut off his head, this Brothers enraged all the neighbouring tyrants called Kings, and they combined together and raised great Armies of regular Soldiers to oblige the French again to submit to be gov^ erned by a King, at that time the Tyrants expected easily to sub- due the French, and prevent their becoming a free people, and as- the French were the only Allies of the U. States, the British King, and his Counsellors, thought that would be a good time to attack us, and once more subject us to their tyranny, in pursuit of this object. Lord Dorchester made his inflammatory Speech to the Indi- ans, to prepare thera for a general war, and Simcoe, built his Fort, at the Eapids of the Miamis, and tried to break up the Set- tlement at Great Sodus, with the same view, the armed vessels of the King, stole our property on the great water, having taken hun- dreds of our vessels, laden with goods, to the value of many hun- dred thousand dollars, and not content with robbing us of our property, they put our Seamen on board of our Armed Vessells, and compelled them to fight against our Friends the French, these injuries were now too great to be borne any longer, so according
COL. PICKERING'S SPEECH AT KONONDAIGUA COUNCIL.. 59
to the custom of the white nations, our great chief sent one of his wise Counsellors, to demand satisfaction, and it is probable he will succeed in obtaining satisfaction, and prevent a war between the British and the U. States, for the minds of the King, and his Counsellors appear to be changed, they seem to have dropped the unjust design of making war upon us. They have seen that all the Tyrants combined against the French cannot subdue them, they have seen that the French will remain a free people, and that now it will be in vain to attempt to deprive us Americans of our liberty, the French Brothers, instead of being subdued, are now over running the Countries of the Tyrants, who attacked them. The French are a very great people, and on this occasion they have adopted the customs of the Indians, all their young men have become Warriors, and marched against their enemies, and beat them on all sides. Brothers, I shall pass by many instances of British pride, and deceit, but I must mention a few, you remember that last year Captain Brant and a large deputation of western Indians, came to Niagara, and desired to speak to the American Commissrs. in presence of the Governor they spoke, and we returned an answer, in our answer we told them plainly, that in order to make peace, something must be yielded on both sides, that tho we were willing to run a new line, yet that it was impossible to make the Ohio the Boundary, that the U. States relying on the strength of former treaties had disposed of large quantities of Land over the Ohio, and that these could not be given up. Bkotheks,
Our answer appeared satisfactory to the deputation, and they then took us by the hand to lead us to Sandusky, at this Time Broth- ers, the people present at the Conference, even the British said the great difficulty was removed and that the Commissrs. and the Indi- ans would doubtless agree in making peace, this it is well known was then the common conversation at Niagara the Deputation then returned, and the Commissrs. sailed to Detroit river to be at hand to proceed to Sandusky as soon as the great Indian Council should give us notice that they were ready, we had now a right to expect to be called without delay, to begin the treaty but after waiting some time at Detroit River another Deputation came to us there, and stated fresh difficulties, telling us that their first and great Dep- utation made a mistake. But Brothers, this was a mear pretence suggested by the British to prevent a Treaty, however we returned an answer, but great delays attending this mode of proceeding, the-
60
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
commissrs. concluded to sail to the mouth of the Miamis river so as to communicate easily with the Indn. Council, and as we had been made to believe at Niagara, that the vessel assigned for our use was to be under our direction, we desired the Capt. to get ready to sail th,e next day, but to our surprise, we were told he was directed to obey the orders of Captn Bunbury, we then spoke to Captn. Bunbury, and he told us he had the Governor's order in writing, not to suffer the Commissrs. to go to Miami Kiver, but at the same time he said the Vessel should carry us to San- dusky if we desired it, in this manner brothers, we were deceived and insulted when we desired to go nearer the Indian Council, by the Governor's order we were prevented, at the same time we were told that if we pleased the vessel should carry us to Sandusky, that is much farther from the Indn. Council, than we then were, besides you know that the Western Indians had finally determined not to go to Sandusky at all, but being of themselves inclined to peace, in order to prevent the loss of time they concluded to meet the Commissrs, on the Miami River a few miles below the place where they then were sitting in Council, and you the Six Nations, as we were informed, actually moved down to the proposed place of meet- ing, you know whether or not this circumstance is true; (the farmers Brother spoke and said it was true) now then I once more ask who prevented our succeeding in making peace with the Western Indians? I ans'd : the British, the very man who had repeatedly wished us success. Yes Brothers Governor Simcoe twice took me by the hand when I was leaving Niagara to go to the Treaty with the Western Indians and twice wished me success, although he had taken secret measures to prevent it Brothers I will mention one fact, last winter the western Indians sent Runners to the head Warrior of one Army with offers of peace, the head warrior answered that the United States were still willing to make peace but that if the hostile Indians were now sincere in their proposals, they must give evidence of it by oollectg. and bringing to his quar- ters, all the American prisoners, the runners then returned and the Indians were so satisfied with the answer, that they actually began to collect the prisoners in order to deliver them to our head war- rior, but as soon as the British Agents heard this, they interfered and told the Indians they were fools, and that if they proceeded they would be deceived and cut off. Now Brothers I know the U. States were sincere in consenting at that time to make peace, for I had been myself desired to go to the Westward a Commr. to
LIEUT. GOV. SIMCOE TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAiND.
61
join our head Warrior in negotiating the terms of the Treaty, and I had consented to go, thus you see Brothers that whenever there was a prospect of making peace with the Western Indians the British have not failed to interfere and prevent it. Bbotheks,
These are my reasons for refusing to admit a British agt. at a Council fire kindled by the U. States, I could mention more but I am wearied of speaking as you must be in hearing, and surely you must think the reasons I have offered to be sufficient, the facts I have mentioned I believe to be true, and the observations just, if there be any errors in my statement, they have arisen from mistake or misinformation, and not from design, I have but one thing more to mention, I am instructed by the President not to suffer a British Agent to attend this Council-fire. Brothers,
You now have my reasons, and my orders, if indeed I wished that the differences between the United States, and you should continue.
If I wished that the important business for which this Council- fire was kindled should be defeated. If I wished our chain of friendship should grow more rusty, if I wished it to become rot- ten, and break off, then I would advise to retain this British spy. Brothers,
It now remains with you to determine whether the great business for which we have met, shall go on or whether the Council fire shall be extinguished. You are a free, and independent people, and as such you will determine this question.
J. G. S.
Endorsed: C.
In Lt. Govr. Simcoe's No. 28 to His Grace the Duke of Portland,
[ Q 281-2, p 409 ]
LT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE TO THE DUKE OE PORTLAND.
[ No. 7. ] Upper Canada, Niagara, October 30 1794.
My Lord Duke,
I was honoured last night with Lord Dorchester's Dispatches inclosing those of Your Grace of the 13th of July.
As His Lordship, agreeably to my expectations has given me no express orders, but only forwarded the dispatch as my guidance and direction that the King's orders therein signified may be punctually
62
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
complied with, my observations in my letter to Your Grace No 4 may not appear unsuitable should the United States persist in con- sidering the King's Post as an encroachment, and such I have no doubt will be the case and that if the present negotiation between Colonel Pickering on their part and the Six Nations should termi- nate amicably that they will occupy Presqu-Isle, agreeably to Gov- ernor Mifflin's intimation, and equip from thence a fleet of Boats to Co-operate in any hostile attempt on the Miamis fort, or to supply their own army at some post, Sandusky, for instance on Lake Erie.
Lord Dorchester has transmitted a Letter to General Wayne, which I shall forward to General Chapin in the Genesee's, there being no practicable communication from the Miamis or Detroit to that Gentleman.
I have written officially to Mr'. Rose on the subject of the sup- plies of the Country, whose mode of monopoly has been the sub- ject of universal complaint and against which the remonstrance of the House of Assembly was transmitted to Mr. Dundas in my report of the 24th of August 1794.
This object merits, in every respect your Grace's attention and decision. Its arrangement seems absolutely necessary to that just influence which the King's representation in this Province ought to possess with His Majesty's Subjects for the general good.
I beg to enclose* to your Grace the Speech of Governor Mifflin marking the several passages to which I alluded.
I have the honour to be with the utmost Respect, My Lord Duke
Your Grace's
most obedient and
most humble Servant
J. G. SiMOOE.
His Grace, The Duke of Portland, ^
One of His Majesty's principal Secretaries'of State, &c. &c. <fec.
*
Endorsed: Niagara, 30 Oct. 1794. Lt. Gov. Simcoe. R. let May. No. 7. Ansd. Duplicate Grig, not reed.
[ Q 281-1, p 14 ]
Not enclosed.
J. WILLIAMS, INDIAN AGENT, TO ADAM BROWN.
63
J. WILLIAMS, INDIAN AGENT, TO ADAM BROWN.
Sandusky, 13 November 1794.
IFriend,
I take this opportunity by the bearer to speak a few words with you in writing respecting to our present situation which I look upon to be very distressing; it is now a long time since the com- mencement of our troubles I see no appearance of its mending better for good but rather worse every year.
We shall certainly all go to destruction soon if we do not amend it you may rely on, that I say so, it is for these reasons, I some time ago, sent a party of these warriors to the Americans at Head Quarters to know their sentiments from the bottom of their hearts & upon what terms they would make peace with us Indians, they have sent for answer by a speech to the Wyandots & all Nations which you will hear. I shall daily deliver up my prayers to the Oreat Spirit above to turn the Chiefs minds to good works that we may live in happiness once more. See the Distress we are in, ihe white people is obliged to cloath us and feed now, it is a great disgrace, to us all. We ought never to suffer ourselves to be •conducted in this manner. God has given us hands and under- fitanding to walk by and Lands to hunt upon — ^it was by this man- ner of bad management that our fore fathers lost so much land, be a friend in sincerity to all your relations the Indians and explain «very thing to them what I have said now as I do for I speak without shame, or fear, my sentiments ae a true & faithful warrior i;o my Country men the Indians.
I am yours and
Humble Servant
J. Williams, Agent for the Chiefs & Warriors of Sandusky.
To Mr. Adam Brown.
A true cop. Signed J. Alex. Clarke. A true copy. Signed A. MoKee, S. I. A.
J. G. S.
Endoreed: No. 1.
In Lt. Gov. Simcoe's No. 20 of the 17th Feby. 1795. (5)
[ g 281-2, p 822 ]
64
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
ADAM BROWN TO J. WILLIAMS, INDIAN AGENT.
Deer. 3d 1794.
Friend,
I received your letter you wrote me and I am very sorry for your doing as you sent them warriors to General Whayne without the consent of the Chiefs and all the Indian warriors, you may think yourselves that you did right, but you did wrong, we see plainly that you will bring them poor people into a scrape of your doings — ^You dont consider of the other Indian Nations and its only the other day the Governor was here and bound all the Indians together to be strong and all one mind now we think you are working very hard to bring the poor people into a scrape, the way you and your Father are doing, my good friend you should take care of your selves not to put trouble upon yourselves. I am Sir
Your humble Servant
Adam Brown,
J. Williams, Jr. A true copy. (Signed) A. McKee, S. I. A.
J. G. S.
Endorsed: No, 2.
In Lt. Govr. Simcoe's No. 20 of the 17th Feby 1795. (6)
[ Q 281-2, p 324 ]
COUNCIL AT BUFFALO CREEK.
Proceedings of a Council held at Buffaloe Creek 11th Deer 1794 Present
Lt Col. Butler Dy. Agent
Chescaqa (Billy) a principal Seneca Chief with the Chief of the Onondagas,
Cayugas and a Delaware Chief.
After the usual compliments Col. Butler addressed them as follows.
Brothers,
Many reports have been received at Niagara respecting the late Treaty at Kanandaique some of them stated that you had sold all your Country and others the Greatest part as I have never paid attention to flying reports, I did not think proper to transmit them
COUNCIIi AT BUFFALO CREEK.
65
to Lord Dorchester, but haviog now an opportunity of hearing the I'ruth T request you will inform me of the particulars of that Treaty.
Chescaqa (Billy) a principal Seneca Chief answered as follows. Brother,
We return you thanks for not paying attention to the reports that have been spread at Niagara and for preventing these from being sent to Lord Dorchester.
Brother,
All our proceedings at that Council were committed to writing and those writings are in possession of some of our Chiefs who are not yet arrived. We shall immediately send for them that you may have the whole before you.
O'Bale a principal chief was present, at that meeting and is daily expected. We decline answering further untill the papers arrive.
Col. Butler replyed
Brothers,
I am sorry to have received from you such an evasive answer. It was not a matter of curiosity but for your interest that I applyed for a true account of that Treaty and to prevent any thing to your prejudice from being transmitted to your Great Father, I have nothing further to add, but that your answer is very improper on this occasion.
The Seneca Chief then replyed as follows.
Brother,
We had agreed that Do part of the Council was to be divulged until the papers were arrived then we were to inform our Father of what had passed, this was to prevent misrepresentations, but as you say reports of the treaty have been spread abroad I will now inform you of the heads of what passed between the Six Nations and United States. Brother,
When we met in Council at Kanandaiqui we informed Mr. Pick- ering that we must abide by the Line agreed upon by the Six Nations and Lake Indians last year at the General Council of the Confederate Indians, held at the rapids of the Miamis, this line runs between the Heads of the waters that fall into Lake Erie and the Ohio, and is marked on a map delivered to the Lake Indians,
Col Pickering answered.
9
66 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Brothers,
As to the Land claimed by the State of Pennsylvania you can have no pretension that land has been purchased and paid for at three different times, it was iSrst bought from the Delawares, then from the Hurons and lastly from the Six Nations at the Treaty of Muskingum all those Nations gave deeds for that Land and received separate payments, exclusive of what they received of Individuals, therefore you cannot claim any part of that tract within the Ter- ritory of Pennsylvania.
Brothers,
You well know that at the Treaty of Fort Stanwix, O'Bale with other Chiefs of the Six Nations gave up to the United States four miles deep from Johnson's landing along the water between the two Lakes and extending along Lake Erie to the Pennsylvania line, this tract I now in the name of the United States restore to you in order to make your minds easy — and to show that they mean to do you justice.
Brothers,
In former times you gave to the King a tract of land four Miles deep from Johixson's Landing to the first Creek above Sted- man's, this land the King gave the United States when they threw him upon his back and from which he is not yet recovered there- fore Brothers, you can have no claim to this Land.
Brothers,
We now want a Road from Johnson's Landing to the Creek above Stedman's also one from thence along the River to Buffaloe Creek, for your convenience as well as our own, we also want an open road from the Genesee Creek to Buffaloe Creek.
To this the Six Nations answered Mr. Pickering as follows. Brother,
Since the lands claimed by the State of Pennsylvania have been sold by our Chiefs, the Six Nations relinquishes that part of the Country provided a free communication between them and their western Brethren is allowed, thro' that part, they agree to give the United States leave to make a road from the Upper end of Sted- man's Carrying Place to the Black rock but that road to remain the property of the Six Nations as to the Lands we gave in former times to the King it depends upon him to allow you a passage through that.
LIEUT. GOV. SIMCOE TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
67
To Colonel Butler.
This Brother I know to have passed, when the papers arrive you will have the transactions more fully before you.
Received this paper from Lieut Colonel Butler D. A. I. A.
John Smith,
J. G. S. Major 5th Regt.
Endorsed: No. 1.
In Lt. Govr. Simcoe's No. 19 of the 17th Feby 1795, (7) In Lieat. Governor Simcoe's No. 40 to Lord Dorchester.
[ Q 281-2, p 299 ]
LT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND. [ No. 12. ]
Upper Canada, Kingston, December 20th 1794.
My Lord Duke,
As the manner, in which the disputes relative to the Barrier i'orts, and frontiers of this Province shall be terminated, must prob- ably become the subject of discussion; I feel it indispensably nec- «essary to state to Your Grace the orders [A] of the Commander in Chief, Lord Dorchester, and the principles which in the event of war, would have guided my discretion.
These orders contain Lord Dorchester's directions to occupy the post at the Miamis, and include the mode in which his Lordship oommunicated to me the speech he made to the Indian Nations,
I beg to refer Your Grace to my Dispatch to Mr. Dundas No 31 of the 16th of August 1794, for a statement of the intercourse which I had held with the Commander in Chief, respecting orders for my conduct on the threats of the officers of the United States io approach the Lakes.
It is necessary, that I should promise to Your Grace, on my arrival in this Province I found it to be the common language of all classes of people, Military as well as Civil, The well-informed as well as the ignorant, that any attempt of the United States to launch a single Boat upon the Lakes, was to be repelled as Hos- tility, it therefore, became incumbent on me to obtain, as soon as possible, positive instructions upon so important a subject.
The manner in which His Lordship had previously declined to give such instructions and his observations to me, on the 27th of January, that "Mr. Hammond was best qualified to speak the lan- ^'guage that will be approved of by His Majesty's Ministers, " when
68
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
contrasted with the orders oi the 19th of February following to occupy the Post at the Miamis; and His Lordship's answer to the Speech of the Seven Nations of Canada as Deputies from parts of the Indian Nations, which Speech was totally unknown to me, and the deputy Superintendants McKee and Butler; — These circumstances added, to the total silence of His Majesty's Ministers in respect to, the applications made by me to Major General Clarke and communis Gated by him in his letter to Mr. Dundas of the 2nd of February 1793 (No 64) left no justifiable doubt upon my mind, but that war with the United States was inevitable; and that His Lordship's recent measures had originated under the instructions of His Majesty's Confidential Servants; I immediately therefore decided per- sonally to proceed through the woods to Detroit, and to carry into Execution his Lordship's directions upon the principles, which wer& explained by the letter, which I beg to transmit [B] a copy of to Your Grace. Previously to the receipt of the Commander in Chief's orders, the same information from Lieut Colonel England, to which his Lordship alludes in his instructions, having passed through my hands, I had sent the Major of Brigade Littlehales to Mr. Ham- mond, to request that, if "He thought it was seasonable He would " interfere with the Government of the United States to prevent '* any ill consequences that might follow Mr. Wayne's menaces and "approach;" in particular I stated to Mr. Hammond "that, I con- " sidered the Settlement at the River aux Raisins" (which had been most injudiciously suffered to grow up since the peace, and being grown up; had, perhaps, been of necessity constituted with Military and Civil arrangements by Lord Dorchester) "as the bound- "ary of the territory occupied by His Majesty's subjects, depend- *'ant on Detroit" it therefore will not escape your Grace, that had Mr. Hammond acted upon my Communication, and had entered into an amicable discussion with the Government of the United States, nearly at the same period that a post at the Miamis Rap- ids, thirty miles in advance of the River aux Raisins, should have been occupied by His Majesty's Troops, the conduct of the British Government would have appeared in the most unfavourable light, and personally, I should have been liable to the charge of extreme^ duplicity, which would have received no little force, from the dif- ferent language of the Speech recently made In my name by Bri- gade Major Littlehales to the Six Nations (in conformity to th& principles which had hitherto guided my conduct) from that which is discoverable in what Lord Dorchester had delivered to the Seven
LIEUT. GOV. SIMCOE TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
69
^rations of Canada. Your Grace will be pleased to observe that Lord Dorchester by his speaking of my "local knowledge" of a country where it must have been known to His Lordship I never could have been in person, seems to intimate the propriety of my going thither; upon this expression, I determined to wave the peculiar circumstances of my situation; and as I conceived, the gen- eral impropriety of His Majesty's Representative in this Province passing its boundaries without the most urgent occasion. I more readily embraced this resolution, as I had not an oflBcer of Expe- rience, and in my confidence as Deputy Quarter Master General, whose general superintendence, not confining him to local duties, might with propriety have been employed in a matter of such importance had I possessed such an oflBcer, most certainly, I should not have felt myself under the necessity of proceeding to the Miamis; nor in any case, would I personally have done it, without further explanation with the Commander in Chief, had I not con- ceived a war to have been inevitable, that an opposition to Mr. Wayne's approaches had been determined upon by His Majesty's Ministers and that not a moment was to be neglected.
I stated therefore to his Lordship, after a general sketch of such military defence as then appeared proper, that I should procure better information at Detroit "and if it can be done with propri- ety, by personal investigation."
Fortunately for me, Lord Dorchester's Speech to the Seven Nations having been made publick, before Brigade Major Littlehales reached Mr. Hammond, all communication between that gentleman and the Government of the United States on the subject of my Dispatch, was prevented and superceded.
On my arrival at Detroit, I found it necessary for the King's Service that I should in person proceed to the Miamis; and subsequent events have in all respects justified the Military principles I stated to [C] Lord Dorchester, in respect, to the occupation of that post. Your Grace will have the goodness to observe, upon the question of the Commander in Chief "whether by collecting all the force in " your power to assemble you would be *in a condition to resist " Wayne's attack should he attempt by force to take possession of "the Country?" that I answer "I think no force in this Country " could resist Wayne's direct attack;" Your Grace will also observe, that the Commander in Chief had expressed himself "it may not "be amiss to consider what reinforcements you may draw from " other posts within your command without exposing any to insult"
70
COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS.
— I need not call to Your Grace's attention, the vague and indeter- minate idea, annexed to insult in a military acceptation of the term ; Lord Dorchester has never yet, by name, mentioned to me the Indian Nations as part of the force or powers; He knew ther garrison of Oswego to be untenable; and that I consider Niagara alone, to have been so extensive, as to require all the force in this Country to garrison it; that my opinions were, that there were neither competent Magazines or, Military Stores in the Province. I also know that American Militia are not fitted for garrison duty, and will not perform it; and that what I stated to the King's Ministers, before I left England, I aflBrm to be true "that Upper Canada is not to be defended by remaining within it," that is on a defensive plan, — However I beg respectfully to remark to Your Grace, after having stated these diflSculties, that I did not shrink from the encounter and therefore I transmitted to His Lordship a series of operations which might probably counteract Wayne's approach, and possibly ruin his army. — The details on which the execution of these operations depended though they could not at that moment, be brought to bear, were instantly put into a train, and if war had been declared, and it had been advisable, I could have attempted its execution in June following — I transmitted this plan to Lord Dorchester to shew that I was in person, ready to undertake any enterprize however hazardous, that might in my judgment, conduce to the public service — and I beg here most respectfully to state to Your Grace, and I hope without impropri- ety, as this letter is meant for personal protection, that having embraced the military profession on principle, and having cultivated it on the most extensive theory, and no common practice, I have always been ready to apply my attainments to the King's Service, measuring the value of command by its public utility and not by its extent; and being equally prepared to lead the smallest detach- ment, or the largest army; leaving to the timid, and the superficial, to distinguish between the partizan and the General. I have now shewn to Your Grace the precipice on which I stood, namely, my belief that it was the iStention of His Majesty to commence a war with the United States, and that on a defensive plan, Upper Canada must fall inevitably. I have stated the opinions I had thrown out to Lord Dorchester and the motives which led to them — Mr. Wayne, approached the Miamis; at the same time the Pennsylvanians garri- soned Le Boeuf on the way to presque-isle. They were prevented by the Six Nations (and [;President Washington's consequent inter-
LIEUT. GOV. SIMCOE TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND. 71
ference) from proceeding, and occupying that important station. The occupation of Le Boeuf, with one hundred men, appeared to me a false step of the United States; and I prepared to take due advantage of it, at the time of Mr. Wayne's approach and sum- mons of Major Campbell, I was collecting Artillery Boats and Troops at Fort Erie, and had sent off such a detachment, as I had means' of transporting to secure Turtle Island. Had Mr. Wayne besieged the Miamis Fort, I had good hopes of relieving it; having well considered on the spot every arrangement necessary to effect that purpose; had He been repulsed in an attempt to have assaulted the fort, the Indians would have regained their spirits and sup- ported by the Canadian Militia, who it is probable in numbers would then have joined the Savages, and by two hundred, at least of the King's Troops led by Major Campbell, I doubt not but they would have destroyed General Wayne's Army, or at the least dis- abled it for future operations; That officer seems to have been unprepared for meeting with so compact a fortress, and perhaps he was intimidated by the very permission to reconnoitre the post on all sides. His Horse appearing, after all further approach had been forbidden by Major Campbell, He directed a Cannon to be pointed; the match was lighted, and if the party had not been withdrawn, it would have been fired upon; so near was war being commenced!
Your Grace wjll be pleased to advert to my situation, if Mr. Wayne's ferocity had pressed him to have attempted an assault and those consequences had followed that I have stated and which I firmly believed, would have been the case,
I should have known of the event of these Hostilities before their commission could have possibly been communicated to the Government of the United States. I should, I had, decided; I was prepared and would have instantly surrounded Le Boeuf, and cut off Fort Franklin (not tenable) Le Boeuf weakly . garrisoned and scarcely fortified, could not have held out an hour against my can- non; destroyed, there would not have been an Indian of the Six Nations, but who would have taken up arms; my immediate oper- ations would have been by small parties of white men, as the mild- est mode of warfare, to have burnt every mill on the forks of the Susquehanna down to Northumberland or Sunbury, and on the Del- aware to Minesink, which would have driven in those Settlements and from every circumstance, I have no reason to doubt but that in three weeks the whole of the Genesees, almost without resistance, would have been abandoned; The Inhabitants taking refuge in the
72
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
King's, or the dominions of the States; and that by a post on the Three Rivers Point, Sodus Harbour and Oswego, I should have effectually for the season, have protected Upper Canada. I am per- suaded there is not an Indian in North America but would have flown to arms, & by a right use of their terror, rather than their action, I have reason to believe that Vermont and it is possible that Kentucky would have declared themselves neutral.
The British Militia to a man, on the first appearance of Hostili- ties have avowed the most determined Loyalty. They are as well calculated for offensive war, as they would be impotent in Garri- sons— there are few families among them, but what can relate some barbarous murder, or atrocious Eequisition which their relatives have undergone from the Rulers of the United States; however those transactions may have been concealed and glossed over in Europe; It would have been probable, that once called to action and movement, and successful they would have been a most form- idable assistance; offensive operations, therefore, would have been impressed upon me by every consideration, — I beg respectfully to call Your Grace's attention to what must have been my situation, if under such circumstances, at any moment of these operations, I had received Mr. Dundas's Letter No 6 and that of Your Grace's dated the 16th of July 1794, the former and its enclosures, stating that it was not the intention of His Majesty's Government to com- mence hostilities with the United States on the subject of the Posts, and the latter recalling me in the midst of my operations; and of operations of such a nature, and extent — but My Lord Duke, I must beg your permission to state what (tho I am not of that opinion) may be thought an extreme case. It would have been of public service, among such a people as those of the United States, who are governed by news papers, to have published reasons for my operations, and probably, it might have been politick, to have limited their extent. In this case, It is not impossible the people near Pittsburg, who perhaps have broke out into their late violences in hopes of Great Britain, and the United States going to war, might have entered into some compact, in which it would have been prudent, to have acquiesced, supported as these people could easily be by Upper Canada, and the Indians, they would present a most systematical and formidable opposition to the United States. I have no doubt that the President Mr. Washington, in person, must have marched to crush it. The first object of my Heart would certainly be, with adequate force and on a just occasion to
LIEUT. GOV. SIMCOE TO THE DURE OF PORTLAND.
73
meet this Gentleman, face to face; of course public Duty and pri- vate Inclination would have made me almost surmount impossibili- ties to have effected such a purpose, and on the supposition that Lord Dorchester should not call for the Troops of Upper Canada, such an event might have been possible. At that moment the com- munications from Your Grace and Mr. Dundas must have come through the President, whom, I believe, to be among the most treach- erous of Mankind, and most hostile to the Interests of Great Britain. In what a dreadful situation this circumstance must have placed me Imagination can scarcely devise. I have, my Lord Duke, in an early part of my life sacrificed much to my sense of obedience and essen- tial subordination; at present, were it necessary, these principles must be doubly enforced on my mind. I have long held it as a maxim that in proportion as the general mass of Man are relaxed in their habits of due subordination, the stricter and more exemplary will be the obedience of every true servant and soldier of his country to his Majesty's Authority & to whom He shall be pleased to dele- gate it, — ^but in the situations I have represented, where enterprize must have been hazardous, and inactivity desperate. Your Grace will see, it might have been almost impossible for me at once to have stopped in my career, to have exemplified prompts obedience and act- ing most conscientiously, in what I conceived the Letter and Spirit of my Orders, to have preserved myself from Calumny and ruin. The consequences of the Orders, which I have already executed must as I conceive prove most injurious to the King's Interests. The giving up of the posts at present will have the appearance, and appearance, becomes reality, in disgrace, as having been exported by Armed America, and acquiesced in under the apparently unfortunate termination of the present European Campaign. This the Federal Party of the States will dilate upon as a proof of the wisdom of Mr. Jay's appointment, and the anti -federalists, as resulting from their opposition to British Encroachments.
The having brought this dormant question into discussion will there- fore, at the least, appear reprehensible in the eyes of those, who may imagine their interests injured by its termination or whose aims are to impede His Majesty's Government. These circumstances will renew in the minds of Englishmen the memory of the late Ameri- can War, and above all the loss of Honour in which it terminated; a Loss, that is now understood from its consequences, and felt
universally.
10
74
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
I therefore in my very peculiar situation most respectfully repose on the Justice of Your Grace; and His Majesty's ministers, and hope, and trust, that should any public or parliamentary question arise upon the subject in which my name may be implicated, that it will be clearly understood that all my late transactions were in obedience to the orders of the Commander in Chief Lord Dorchester. I have the honor to be My Lord Duke with the utmost Kespect & Deference Your Grace's most obedient
& most humble Servant
J. G. SiMCOE.
His Grace the Duke of Portland,
One of His Majesty's Principal Secretarys of State, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: Upper Canada, 20 Dec. 1794. In Lt. Govr. Simcoe. B. 1st May. Ansd. No. 12. Four Inclosnres
[ Q 281-1, p 129 ]
LT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND. [ No. 14. ]
Kingston, Upper Canada, December 22d, 1794.
My Lord Duke,
I transmit to Your Grace the proceedings [E] of the Indian Council held while I was at the Miamis, together with the Speeches of the Assembled Nations; my answer to which I have done myself the honor of forwarding to Your Grace in my dispatch of the 24th of October. I beg leave to observe to Your Grace, that I made a par- ticular enquiry of Colonel McKee relative to those expressions of the Indian Nations. " You have told us, Father, you expected orders '* from our Great Father over the Great Lake," and that gentleman assured me. That he had never given those nations any reason what- soever to believe that they would be assisted by His Majesty's forces, beyond what his Instructions, and the various speeches, delivered to them might warrant.
At the same time Your Grace must be convinced that the differ- ent Traders from interest would make use of that language which would best conciliate the favour of the Indians; and that the British Officers, not immediately intrusted with particular duties in respect to those people, could not be at all times prevented from express-
LIEUT. GOV. SIMCOE TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
75
ing in strong terms, that Compassion which in this Province i& universally felt for these unhappy nations.
My former dispatches to Mr. Dundas, will shew to Your Grace the very serious Hazard to which I consider this Province will be exposed if real and effectual measures, be not adopted to reconcile the Indians to any change which existing circumstances may render necessary in respect to the Barrier Forts and in particular Detroit and Mich- ilimackinac.
Since most of these communications the King's Troops have been further advanced; and the construction of a Port at the Miamis and the new Fortifications at Niagara, have strengthened the general belief that the Barrier Forts are not to be abandoned. On the other Hand, the successful approach of General Wayne his declaration that the British neither possess the power nor the inclination to protect the Indians," and the reports industriously spread among them, That the occupation of the Fort at the Miamis was a collusion between the English and United States, are circumstances that augment the neces- sity of adopting every method to prevent any ill consequences that may arise from the disaffection of the Indian Nations.
I have not received any accounts of the Issue of the Couference between Colonel Pickering and the Six Nations.
I beg to state to Your Grace that, as I had intimated in my Letter No. 2 of the 23rd of October, Colonel McKee had offered an Asylum to the Western Indians, and he reports to me "agreeably to " Your Excellency's desire I have visited the Lands at Chenail Ecart6 "and prepared the Chiefs to meet You in the Spring whenever called "upon, tho' I find they will be rather tenacious of admitting other "Nations among them the Lands near the mouth of this Eiver are "bad and unfit for any settlement but a few miles higher up they "are good and proper for an Indian Settlement." The Indians at Michilimackinac have shown symptoms of discontent, as I learn from a Trader, and have insulted the oflScer who commands there.
Your Grace will have the goodness to observe that I have men- tioned in the letter marked [D.] to Lord Dorchester the Commander in Chief, that I should promise to Brant that I should exert my utmost influence in case of his Death to obtain the King's bounty to be extended to His Family— I beg in the strongest manner to recommend to Your Grace that I may immediately be permitted to promise that Chieftain in case of death, that an allowance of one hundred^pounds per annum shall be made to his widow.
76
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
The people of the States have made him great offers which he has refused with disdain, beiiig as I believe a Man of Principle, and secondarily to the Indian attached to the King's Interest. Hav- ing seen His Majesty, to Public Duty, he adds the most Loyal per- sonal Kespect. I conceive the certainty of this Bounty will have the best effects, be well timed, politick, and I am confident, has been deserved.
I scarcely need mention to Your Grace that the Commander in Chief took no notice of this communication.
I also felt it my duty to promise absolutely, some other pensions, on the pressure of the moment and the performance of certain con- ditions; These as circumstances shall arise, will be submitted to Your Grace; for altho' in the various branches of the Army and the dependencies thereon, It appears to me that the Commissariat, for the usual purposes of effectual control, and more especially from its relations with the prosperity of the province, the Marine that it may be raised from its present state of degradation, afford employment to the young gentlemen of the Province, become a favorite service, and from thence, that the expences of it, in a short time be the more readily provided for by the Province of Upper Canada. Tho these Departments would evidently, be better administered by myself in the details, than by the Commander in Chief, not breaking in upon general and necessary subordination; Yet the management of the Indians cannot be entrusted out of the Hands of the Government upon the Spot; for the lives, the existence of all around depend upon unwearied attention in this Respect, and the Province is precisely in that stage of progress as to invite Indian rapacity and assault.
I trust therefore in all events, that at the least, as many Troops may be alloted for this Province as are now stationed within it; and I repose in respectful hope that Your Grace and His Majesty's Ministers will make such arrangements, as at this very serious and difficult Conjuncture, may enable me to undertake with Confidence the protection of the King's subjects, for which I am responsible.
Lieutenant Colonel England has written to me from Detroit that the English and Canadian Correspondents of the Merchants at that place, assure them that the Troops are to be withdrawn; should such be the case, whatever may be the arrangements agreed upon between His Majesty's Ministers and the United States, I presume from the removal of the negotiation to London, that some agents will be appointed on each side to carry the very important details of the
LIEUT. GOV. SIMCOE TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
77
Transaction into Execution — should this happen and could it with propriety be so managed with Mr. Jay I should be very happy to learn that on the part of the United States, Colonel Pickering was not employed in any transaction wherein His Majesty's oflBcers or Government are concerned, this Gentleman's behavior both in public and private as a Commissioner from the United States to the Indians gave universally disgust to all ranks of people; and was in truth extremely offensive, and not impossibly dangerous; He is much in the President's Confidence, and in principle a Jacobin.
On the contrary General Hull who was employed on a business connected with that Mission was in all his behavior very acceptable to His Majesty's OflScers; and This Gentleman, having been employed in the Year 1788 in the intercourse which took place between the late Sir Frederick Haldimand and Baron Steuben on the subject of the Posts, may perhaps, without impropriety be mentioned as a per- son whose behavior in his former mission was very satisfactory.
I beg to recommend to Your Grace, Major Stevenson, of the 5th Regiment (quartered in Upper Canada) to execute similar duties on the part of His Majesty. This gentleman being now in England might derive the advantage of personal Instructions from Your Grace on a subject of the utmost Importance & which I trust will leave no doubtful construction whatsoever on the respective limits and Boundaries. Major Stevenson is much in my confidence, & from his manners. Experience & local knowledge is perfectly well qualified for such a Commission.
I am informed by respectable authority that the people of the State of New York talk of claiming part of Grande Isle or Wolfe Island as ceded to them by the Treaty of 1783.
I have the honor to be
with the utmost Eespect and Deference My Lord Duke
Your Grace's most obedient and most humble servant
J. G. SiMCOE.
His Grace the Duke of Portland,
One of His Majesty's principal Secretaries of State, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: Upper Canada, 22d Deer. 1794 Lt. Govr. Simcoe. R. Ist May. Ansd. No. 14. (One Inclosnre.) Exts transmitted Lord Grenville May 13th.
[ Q 281-1, p 199 ]
78
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
LORD DORCHESTER TO COL. A. MC KEE.
Quebec, 26th December 1794
Sir,
HaviDg been much satisfied with your conduct as well in the management of Indian concerns, as in the regularity and oeconomy of your cash accounts, I have Judged it advisable for the King's Interests to appoint you Deputy Superintendent General &c of Indian Affairs, the Superintendence and care of that Department in the absence of the Superintendent General therefore devolves upon you, and in the execution of this trust you will govern yourself by the See No. 84 to Instructions established for the good government of the Indian Mr.GreiiYiiie Department dated 27th March 1787* and 6th May 1790,
lOth Novem- ^ . . . J '
ber 1790. copics of which you will receive herewith. I have likewise thought it expedient for His Majesty's Service to establish further Instructions and orders relative to the purchase of Indian Territory copy of which is also enclosed for your direction and guidance.
In the year 1787 a purchase was made from the Messasagas of a portion of their Lands and altho' the exact limits were probably ascertained and goods to the amount agreed upon paid therefor, yet the proceedings are so informal and irregular as to invalidate and set aside the whole transaction, a blank Deed found in the office of the Surveyor General appears to be the only testimonial of this pur- chase, and tho of no validity or value Colonel Simcoe thinks it may be useful in explaining the intentions of the Indians at the time, for that purpose it is now sent to you but it is on no account to be made use of, or considered as an Instrument transferring a right to Indian Territory, and is to be returned to the Superintend - inciosares D& ant General's office as soon as the transaction has been E No. 16 to explained. Extracts of my letters of the 27th January and
theDakeof ^ .
Portland. 22d September last to Colonel Simcoe on this subject are inclosed for your further information.
In uniformity to the general order of the 20th September 1792, copy of which is inclosed, you will continue to transmit to the office of the Superintendant General all accounts, requisitions, reports and transactions, to be forwarded by the Secretary of the Indian
♦See Vol. 23, p. 627.
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS— INDIAN DEPARTMENT. 79
Department to Head Quarters, except where Secrecy or dispatch may he necessary, in which oases you will send them directly to the Oommander in Chief.
I am &c
Dorchester.
Alex McKee, Esqr.
Endorsed: G.
la Lord Dorchester's No. 19 to the Duke of Portland of the 31 January 1795.
' [ Q 71-2, p 294 ]
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS — INDIAN DEPARTMENT.
Head Quarters, Quebec, 26th December 1794.
To Sir John Johnson Bart. Superintendent General and Inspector General of Indian Affairs, or in his absence the Deputy Super- intendant General.
Article 1st. It having been thought advisable for the King's Interest, that the System of Indian Affairs, should be managed by Superintendants under the direction of the Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Forces in North America; No Lands therefore are to be purchased of the Indians but by the Superintendant General & Inspector General of Indian Affairs, or in his absence by the Deputy Superintendant General or a person specially commissioned for that purpose by the Commander in Chief.
2d. When Indian Territory shall be wanted by any of the King's Provinces, the Governor or Person administering the Government of the Respective Province will make his requisition to the Commander in Chief, and also to the Superintendant General of Indian affairs, or in his absence the Deputy Superintendant General, accompanied with a sketch of the tract required, who will endeavor to find out the probable price to be paid therefor, in goods, the manufacture of Great Britain, and report the same to the Commander in Chief that measures may be taken to get them out from England by the ^rst opportunity. Presents sent to the Upper Posts, for the ordinary purposes of the Indians inhabiting the neighborhood of or vicinity the said Posts, are not to be appropriated to the purchase of Indian Lands without the express order of the Commander in Chief.
3d. All purchases are to be made in public Council with great solemnity and ceremony according to the ancient usages and customs
80
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
of the Indians, the principal chiefs and leading men of the nation or nations to whom the Lands belong being first assembled.
4th The Governor or person administering the Government of the Province in which the Lands lie, or two persons duly commissioned by him are to be present on behalf of said Province.
5th. The Superintendant General or in his absence the Deputy Superintendant General negotiating the purchase shall be accompanied by two other persons belonging to the Indian Department, together with one, two, three or more military oflSoers (according to its strength) from the Garrison or Post nearest to the place where the conference shall be held.
6th. The Superintendant General or Deputy Superintendant Gen- eral negotiating the purchase will employ for the purpose such Interpreters as best understand the Language of the nation or nations treated with, and during the time of the Treaty every means are to be taken to prevent the promiscuous practice of introducing strong liquors among the Indians, and every endeavour exerted to keep them perfectly sober.
7th. After explaining to the Indians the nature and extent of the Bargain, the situation and bounds of the Lands, and the price to be paid, regular deeds of conveyance (Original, Duplicate & Tripli- cate) are to be executed in Public Council by the principal Indian Chiefs & leading men on the one part, Superintendant General of the Indian Department or in his absence the Deputy Superintendant General or person appointed by the Commander in Cihef on his Majesty's behalf on the other part, and attested by the Governor or Person administering the Government in which the ceded lands lie or the Persons commissioned by him and by the officers and others attending the Council, descriptive plans signed and witnessed in the same manner, are to be attached to the Deeds of Conveyance, one of which is to be transmitted to the office of the Superintendant General to be there entered & remain of record, a second to be given to the Governor or Person administering the Government of the Province in which the Lands fall, or the Persons appointed by him, and the third is to be delivered to the Indians, who by that means will always be able to ascertain what they have sold and future uneasinesses and discontents be thereby avoided.
8th. All other matters being settled, Indian goods to the amount agreed upon are to be given in Payment of the Territory ceded, the said goods to be delivered in public council with the greatest possi-
GENERAL WAYNE TO THE INDIANS AT SANDUSKF.
81
ble notoriety and the delivery witnessed and certified in the same manner as the deeds of conveyance.
9th. When the Council is finished, the Proceedings are by the first convenient opportunity to be transmitted to the Office of the Superintendant General for the Information of the Commander in Chief.
Endorsed: H.
In Lord Dorchester's No. 19 to the Dake of Portland, of the 31 Jany 1795.
[ Q 71-2, p 297 ]
GEN. ANTHONY WAYNE TO ALL THE WARRIORS AT SANDUSKY.
To Tarke and all the other Sachems and War Chiefs at Sandusky. Brothers,
I have received your letters and verbal message by Enos Coon and a Young Wyandot Warrior, and thank the Great Spirit for opening your eyes and changing the Inclination of your Hearts from War to Peace and which otherwise would have terminated in your total extirpation.
The pleasure you express upon hearing my voice and the promise you make, that you will tell your warriors to lay down their Hatchets and not to strike us any more is very pleasing to me.
I will now on my part order my Warriors not to strike any of Your peaceable people, but to receive them with friendship and treat them with kindness and as a pledge of my peaceable disposition towards you and your people, I send you a string of white wampum.
Brothers,
You say there may be some foolish young men, such as have no home may do mischief to you ! for them I cannot answer. There may also be some foolish young men among us, who (like yours) have no home, may also do mischief, nor can I answer for their conduct, but let you and me Join Heart and Hand and use every possible endeavor to prevent any mischief being done to either of us by these bad people, agreeably to our mutual promises to each other of the treaty held at the mouth of Muskingum on the 9tb day of January 1789 as particularly mentioned in article 8th. viz.
Should any nation of Indians meditate a war against the United States, or either of them, and the same should come to the knowl- edge of the before mentioned nations, or either of them, the Wyan- 11
82
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
dots, Delawares, Ottaways, Chippeways, Potewatamis and Sack Nations, they do hereby engage to give notice thereof to the Governor or in his absence to the officer Commanding the troops of the United States at the nearest post, and should any nation with hostile inten- tion against the United States or either of them attempt to pass through their Country they will endeavour to prevent the same and in like manner give information of such attempt to the said Gov- ernor or Commanding officer as soon as possible that all causes of mistrust or suspicion may be avoided between them and the United States.
In like manner the United States shall give notice to the said Indian Nations of any harm that may be meditated against them that shall come to their knowledge and do all in their power to hinder and prevent the same; that the friendship between them may be uninterrupted.
Bbothers,
It is the duty and interest of all of us to observe this article inviolate upon all occasions and particularly yours, because should you permit the bad Indians to pass through your Country to strike any of our Warriors or at any of our Settlements, or to steal Horses or other property from the Inhabitants, they will naturally be pur- sued and possibly some of your innocent people may suffer on account of the conduct of these bad Indians, whom you ought imme- diately to drive from among you in order to prevent mistakes.
Brothers,
You express some apprehension of Injury from some of the hos- tile tribes on account of the part you have lately taken.
Your father General Washington The President of the Fifteen Fires of America will take you under his protection and has ordered me to defend his dutiful children from any injury that may be attempted against them on account of their peaceable disposition towards the United States and for which purpose he will order a Fort or fortification to be built at the foot of the Rapids of Sandusky on the reserved lands as soon as the season and circumstances will permit.
Brothers,
I have received information from Colonel Hamtramck, one of my principal warriors Commanding at the Miamis Villages, that the Chiefs of the Chippewas, Ottawas, Sacks, Pottawatamies and Miamis, arrived at that place three days since and may be hourly expected
LORD DORCHESTER TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
83
at Greenville, the Miamis say that the Chiefs of the remaining hos- tile Tribes had aooeeded to the prevailing opinion and wish for peace and that the Chiefs are now on their way to this place, and may be expected in the course of a few days after the arrival of the Chiefs of the five Nations before mentioned.
Bkothees,
In order to convince you how you have been imposed upon by Oovernor Simcoe, Colonel McKee and others at the Foot of the Rapids of the Miamis of the Lake, I herewith transmit you a copy of a Letter from Lord Dorchester the British Governor of all Can- ada dated Quebec 6th October 1794, which I received a few days ago; by this letter you will see that what Governor Simcoe, Colonel McKee and Captain Brant told you on or about the 10th of the «ame month at the Big Rock at the mouth of the Detroit River was not true, you therefore cannot come forward too soon in order i;o agree with the Chiefs of the other Nations upon the time of holding a general Treaty, for the purpose of removing all causes of <5ontroversy, and establishing a permanent peace between the United States of America and the Indians North West of the Ohio.
Ant. Wayne,
Major General and Commander in Chief of the Legion of the United States, Commissioner Plenipotentiary of the said United States of America for settling a permanent peace with all the Indian Tribes and Nations North West of the Ohio.
Gbeenville, 1st January 1795.
Endorsed: B.
In Lt. Govr. Simcoe's No. 21 to the Dake of Portland.
[ Q 282-1, p 361 J
LORD DORCHESTER TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
[ No. 15. ]
Quebec, 1st January 1795.
My Lord,
Since my letter to Mr. Dundas, No. 54, I have learned that the Loss of the Indians in their Action of the 20th of August last did not exceed nineteen men [A], which is considerably less than was at first supposed.
84
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
At a Council held on the 13th October, at the Wyandot Village, the Western Tribes positively demanded assistance [B] from the British and from the Six Nations, stating at the same time their readiness to accompany the King's Troops in an immediate attack on the Forts established by the United States. Their Speech has not yet come to me; but I am unwilling to delay any longer representing the present appearance of Indian affairs.
It has been recommended to them by Brant to assemble in Arms next Spring at the Huron Village in order to come to some deci- sion with regard to the situation ; Their Villages and Cornfields having been destroyed they are preparing to hut themselves for the Winter at Swan Creek on the Miamis River, near the Lake. , The style of General W^ayne's orders [C] after the action on the 20th August last, and the violent Language of Mr. Pickering. [D], at a Council held the 26th of October with the Chiefs of the Six Nations at Canadarque, do not appear to indicate a disposition in the United States, to allow their differences with the Indians to be terminated under His Majesty's auspices [E]; such a hope however was entertained in the Upper -Country the 30th of October [F], It was also thought that the Force stationed at Pittsburg under the pretext of supporting the measures of their Government against the Insurgents in the Western Countries, is intended to over-awe the Indians, and, if necessary, to act against the Province of Upper Canada by the route of Presqu* Isle.
[G] Private accounts of the 7th November say, that the Western Indians have sent Messengers to the Indians on the Mississippi and Missourie in order to obtain Permission to retire to their Lands. I am with great Respect & Esteem
My Lord Your Grace's , most obedient humble Servant
Dorchester.
His Grace, The Duke of Portland, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: Qaebec, let Jany 1795.
Lord Dorchester. ' R. 20th April. Ansd. No. 15. (Seven Inclosures.)
[ Q 71-1, p 104 ]
DUKE OF PORTLAND TO LIEUT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE. 85 DUKE OF POETLAND TO LT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE.
[ No. 5. ]
Whitehall, 8 Jany 1795.
liIEUT. Gov. SiMCOE,
Sir,
I have already remarked in ray letter of the 19th of Novr. of what importance it is, at this moment to conciliate the affection of the Indians, by every means in my power. This will be much facilitated by fully explaining to them that part of the Treaty (when it is made public) which secures and guarantees Our Future Trade and Inter- course with them and places both on a more unrestrained and gen- eral footing than they could rest upon under the present circum- stances, and by convincing them that having already bound ourselves not to retain any Lands on the American side of the Treaty Line, it became the only means by which we could secure a constant and perpetual communication with them. You will of course use every means in your power, to induce, if possible, the American States and the Indians to make use of our mediation for settling these present disputes; an event from which, should it take place, the most bene- ficial effects may be expected.
As the Treaty between us and the American States cedes to us, and recognizes our possession of the Posts, until the time fixed therein for their cession, I trust that the good understanding and liberality which should at present prevail between both parties will dispose the Americans to take no steps which may have the appearance of strengthening the posts in our possessions, or of interfering within what may bona fide be considered as their limits.
Under this impression it seems advisable that both parties should mutually agree to withdraw all Troops both from the Fort at the Miamis, and from Fort Defiance, taking care on our part that the Fort at the Miamis should be previously destroyed, as very properly suggested in your letter No. 4.
Your Speech to the Indians in No. 5 very properly explains to them the situation in which we stand; and your letter to Mr. Ham- mond seems well calculated to set aside the objections which had been made by Mr. Kandolph to the Proceedings of His Majesty's Government in the Canadas in General, or to your own conduct in
86 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
particular, and leaves no Room for an idea being entertained of the- nature of that which you have suggested.
I am &c.
Portland*
Endorsed: Drat.
To Lieut. Govr. Simcoe, January 1795.
[Q 281-1, p 2]
SUBSTANCE OF GEN. WAYNE'S SPEECH.
Substance of General Wayne's speech in answer to the message sent by Isaac Williams Junr communicated by Zeans who was one of the party.
The General told the Messengers he was glad to see them come upon the business they did and at the same time pitied their con- dition in listening always to the English who wished to have them* in the same situation as themselves. They told them always to be strong and defend their country, and furnished them with ammuni-^ tion, but they might be convinced from their late conduct that they had neither the power nor inclination to help them.
He had only employed the force of his little finger which they were not able to resist and dared not to fire at him, altho' under the walls of their Fort. He advised them to retire to their side of the Scioto, where they would be safe as his young men meant ta range the plains this winter and destroy everything that came in their way. That he had heard the Shawenoes, Delawares, Miamis and Col- onel McKee were encamped below the English Fort on the banks of the River, and would pay them a visit this winter with some of hi& young men accompanied by 700D Militia and 500 Chickasaws, if they resisted, their ruin would be the consequence, if they fled before him he would turn off and build a house at Sandusky among his good friends the Wyandots and then return to Greenville.
The Fort the English had built at the Rapids, he would pass on the opposite side and build a Fort at Turkey Point where he would be joined by a party of Americans from Fort Pitt by the way of Cayahoga.
He would next proceed to Brown's Town where he would summon the English to leave his houses and lands and pass to the other side, which they would quickly do and then he would walk quietly in and take possession of his own. He told them also that he had
DUKE OF POKTIiAJND TO LIEUT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE.
87
received letters from Congress whereby he understood that Great Britain had granted the Americans all their claims, of consequence if the Indians had any idea of their own Interest they would take the 15 Fires by the hand, who altho' able with their little finger to crush them, were always more ready to listen to the voice of peace than continue a war which in the event would prove the ruin of all the Indians Nations.
Geo. Ironside.
[ Q 281-2, p 319 ]
ANSWER OF THE WYANDOTS.
Answer of the Wyandots at Brown's Town to Leatherlips who was sent from Sandusky by Isaac Williams Junr. to inform them of the result of his message to General Wayne.
"We can do nothing in this matter alone, what we heard from " our Father and the Six Nations, shall be the rule of our conduct, ^' and we will do nothing but with the concurrence and approbation "of all the other Nations."
A true Copy, A. McKee, J. G. S. S. 1. A.
Endorsed: C. (4)
In Lt. Governor Simcoe's No. 20 to the Duke of Portland of the 17 Feby 1795.
[ Q 281-2, p 321 1
DUKE OF PORTLAND TO LT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE.
Whitehall, 9th April 1795.
In General Simcoe No. 12.
Sir,
I can assure you that, under any circumstances whatever I should: have seriously regretted your having occasion for so long a relaxa- tion from business; but in the present moment, when the Posts, and the conditions upon which their evacuation depends are in agitation, and events are impending, into the detail of which I entered so much at length in my Dispatch to Lord Dorchester of the 15th of January last (a copy of which you will have received from him, as
88
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
well as from me) you caDnot wonder that I should feel a very con- siderable additional degree of concern at the necessity of your com- ing to such a Resolution, However Sir, such is the confidence His Majesty places in your attachment to His Service, and so satisfied is he with the unremitting zeal and assiduity you have uniformly manifested, in promoting His interests & those of His subjects com- mitted to your care, that I have received His Royal Commands to acquaint you, that should the same reasons for your desiring to return to this Country exist, at the time of your receiving this Dispatch, as induced you to make the application, His Majesty will be graciously pleased to assent to it; and I have accordingly signified to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty His Majestys Orders, that one of the Ships of War, now about to depart with the Quebec Fleet, should be directed to bring you and your suite to England.
I am &c.
Portland.
[ Q 282-1, p 146 ]
LORD DORCHESTER TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
Quebec, 25th April 1795.
My Lord,
I am honored with Your Grace's Dispatches specified in the margin; Triplicate No. 7, 8th Nov. '94. but the copies of the Treaty with the United Do Private, 19th. g^^^^^ ^£ j^^^^ Greuville's Letter to Mr. Ham-
Original & Duplicate.
Private, 26th. mond, forwarded with the original and duplicate
Dapiicate No. 8, 8th Deer. Letter of the 19th November, are not come to my
Original No. 9, 25th.
Circular 6th Jany '95. hauds.
The Report of the Treaty with Mr. Jay, as far as it relates to the cession of the Posts, has long since been circulated both through the States and the Indian Country.
It would be very desirable for us to assist in bringing about a termination of Hostilities between the American States and the Indians, but the Language still held by Mr. Pickering & General Wayne, as well as that of their agents in other Quarters, shews the utmost disdain for such an interference.
LORD DORCHESTER TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
89
I have already given orders for discontinuing all Expenses what- ever on the other side of the Treaty Line except such as are abso- lutely necessary for the health of the Troops, and the preservation of the King's Stores.
"The erection of such new Posts, in proper and suitable situations, on our side of the Treaty Line as may facilitate Commercial Inter- course with the Indians and render the evacuation of those now in our possession, particularly those of Detroit and as little felt as possible when it shall take place" is certainly a matter of great importance. But I understand that Colonel Simcoe is already author- ized by Mr. Secretary Dundas to occupy & establish such Posts as he may think necessary.
I am with great Eespect
and Esteem My Lord
Your Grace's
Most obedient
humble Servant
Dorchester,
His Grrace, The Duke of Portland. x
Endorsed: Quebec, 25th Aprii 1795. Lord Dorchester. E. 25th Jane. No. 27. Ansd. 6th Jalj 1795.
r Q 71-2, p 456 ]
LORD DORCHESTER TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
[ No. 28. ]
Quebec, 25th April 1795.
My Lord,
No one can be more thoroughly convinced than I am, of the expediency of preserving Peace with the United States, and of the Propriety of the King's Ministers pointing out to the distant Ser- vants of the Crown, every departure from the intentions of Govern- ment; so that I have only to express my acknowledgments for the very friendly manner in which these matters have been stated by Your Grace.
At the same time I must beg leave to observe, that in the pro- gress of Political Events, cases of importance will come forward which require to be decided upon without delay, though of a nature so delicate that Persons of sound Judgment and much experience 12
I
90
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
agreeing as to the end, may yet differ in opinion, as to what i& best to be done, or most likely to produce a desired effect.
In this difficulty I found myself when called upon to give an answer to the Indians who had assembled at the Miamis in the year ninety three.
About the same time I became fully informed of the Dangers at the Detroit, and of the menaces of Mr. "Wayne who now loudly and unconditionally arrogated as an undoubted Eight, all the territory on their side the Treaty Line, barely allowing us the temporary posses- sion of a small space within an Inclosure of Picquets.
This Doctrine had indeed been asserted and fully acted upon near Lake Champlain; but there the mischiefs were not considerable, The Insult excepted and the evils which might flow from a further extension of the Precedent; but great danger to both the Canadas was to be apprehended from Detroit.
To have permitted ourselves to be thus straightened, would have been to deliver up our Troops, pinioned and defenceless, as well as a very valuable commercial Property to the discretion of Mr. Wayne and his army.
Under such circumstances I could have no hesitation.
My answer to the Indians was greatly within what the conduct of the States would have Justified; and their complaint of our occupy- ing a Post on the Miamis, little better than a Farce, while in strict diplomatic Equity they ought to have kept within the Limits occu- pied by themselves at the Peace of eighty-three, nothing on the Western Frontier having been given up by us, on account of the non execution of the Treaty on their part.
This diplomatic principle they knew, and dictated to us; but their application of it to what took place at the Miamis, served to prove that we were strictly within the Kule prescribed by themselves.
I considered that no People could be so absurd as to go to war from motives so trifling. But, if, in the expectation of profiting by our weakness, they were determined on war, every effort became neces- sary to better our condition.
On close attention to the matter, I thought I perceived that in Canada, we had considerably relaxed; while the Plan of the States was to press on in proportion and to push matters as far as might be short of Hostilities; In this state of things, that which seemed most to be feared was, that presuming on our week and entire acquiescence under every degree of aggression, they might be hurried too far.
LORD DORCHESTER TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
91
It therefore became necessary to quicken their own apprehensions of danger, the better to Guard against Insult, and Injury, and Eapine, which must have greatly embarassed any Ratification.
They immediately perceived that Mr. Wayne's situation became criti- cal the moment he proceeded to extremities; clamour followed of course, it is their manner: It is the old political Engine which they bring forward to deface the real features of an object, and impress the multitude with sentiments suited to the schemes of their Rulers.
With much greater art and a more refined Policy, do they play off their contending Parties, and occasionally render them subservient to Purposes both domestic and foreign.
On the late occasion they had well nigh pushed those Refinements too far, had the opposing party, with their Friends, availed them- selves of this Indiscretion, in the moment, they might have endan- gered, or perhaps, have completely overturned the Federal Government, and have rendered this continent a scene of great confusion.
By this ample Explanation I do not mean to object to the King's Ministers censuring my conduct as far as the National Interests may require: There I think the Line should be drawn.
I am sensible of the liberal disposition which left open for recon- sideration my Request to return Home; my Intentions have been some time fixed. In subsequent Letters I have given so many Reasons, that I hope Your Grace will be convinced the King's service ren- ders it necessary.
I am with Great Respect and Esteem My Lord
Your Grace^'s.
most obedient
humble Servant
DORCHESTEIL
His Grace The Duke of Portland.
Endorsed: Quebec, 25th April 1795. Lord Dorchester, R. 25th June. No. 28. Aned. 6th July 1795.
[ Q 71-2, p 458 ]
92 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
EETURN.
Eeturn of Appointments made by Lord Dorchester in the Indian Department.
|
Name. |
Appointment |
Date of Commission |
|
Alexander McKee.-.| Mathew Elliot | Thomas McKee ... |
Deputy Superintendt. Genl. and Deputy Inspector General of Indian Affairs.. _ _ |
|25th June 1795 |2nd July 1796 Ditto Ditto |
|
Superintendent of Indians and of Indian Affairs for the Dis- |
||
|
Ditto Ditto for the Northwestern District _ |
||
|
William Claus |
Ditto Ditto for the District of Niagara |
|
Endorsed:
In Genl Prescott's No. 38 to the Duke of Portland
[ Q 78, p 261 ]
STATE OF THE FORCES IN NORTH AMERICA.
|
.3^ ^ c- c- o» T-i Tfi la 00 1-1 |
||||||
|
•310X8 |
1 1 1 1 1 |
|||||
|
C- OS to 00 |
|
sieracauicj |
1 T-4 1 |
|||||||||||
|
1-1 irq |
la 1-1 |
|||||||||||
|
Officers Present |
Staff 4 |
|||||||||||
|
saoaSing | |
||||||||||||
|
1 |
||||||||||||
|
s^uB^nCpY 1 |
||||||||||||
|
nreidBqo | |
||||||||||||
|
•duiBO-ap-piv 1 |
||||||||||||
|
epBStjg W 1 |
||||||||||||
|
\uer)'n'b'a Y 1 |
||||||||||||
|
lUQQ -5 .(I 1 |
||||||||||||
|
lUdQ -v -v 1 ! |
||||||||||||
|
Commission |
eg |
|||||||||||
|
<M r-( ->* |
||||||||||||
|
*dB3 1 |
||||||||||||
|
jocejf |
||||||||||||
|
•P3 1 |
||||||||||||
|
pnopo |
||||||||||||
|
1U90 'K |
||||||||||||
|
Kegiments |
J t < |
> |
1 |
X 4- |
a a "S c |
) |
||||||
|
Officer Commanding. |
1 a a <t |
a J ' 1 |
a i « : ^ |
f Dieut Cooper... (Col. England.... |
||||||||
|
Cantonment, Post, or Command |
Michilimackinac, Fort Miamis |
® 9
ft o
0 O
H
OQ
M o
o
ft
CD
a
o
Q
O
w
O
o c!:5
O
■+3
GO CD
I
94
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
LT. GOV. SIMCOE'S SPEECH TO THE SIX NATIONS.
His Excellency Lieutenant Governor Simooe's Speech to the Six Nations assembled at Fort Erie the 28th August 1795.
Brothers,
I have desired you to attend to this Fire-place that I might com- municate to you matters of great importance, and answer in general the speeches which I have received from the different Chiefs and Warriors of the Six Nations, on my return to this part of the Province.
Brothers,
I assure you that I am perfectly acquainted with the messages formerly transmitted to you by the Commander in Chief, to remain at peace, and to follow your several occupations, and that I rely on your professions of friendship, and steady attachment to the King your Father, however remote you may reside from this Council Fire.
Brothers,
I am to thank you for the communication of the Treaty which you- have lately made with the United States at Konondaigua.
Brothers,
As some singular transactions occurred at that Treaty on the part of Mr. Pickering the Commissioner of the U. States, which as obvi- ously was his intention, have been communicated to me, before I proceed to matters of importance, I request your patience to a few observations, which I think it proper to make thereon.
Brothers,
On my return from Detroit last year, I received a message from you desiring that I would permit Mr. Johnstone, whom you consider as one of yourselves, to attend the Treaty at Konondaigua. Brothers,
I without hesitation, complied with your request. Brothers,
Mr. Pickering in very singular language affecting great warmth, refused to hold the Treaty while Mr. Johnstone remained on the spot, and finally declared that he was instructed so to do, by the Presi- dent of the United States.
Brothers,
You thought proper to desire Mr. Johnstone to return. Now, Broth- -ers, what would have been the language of Mr. Pickering had I
LIEUT. GOV. SIMCOE TO THE SIX NATIONS.
95
•declined the permitting Mr. Johnstone, a person subject to my authority agreeably to your express and solemn request, from attend- ing at the Treaty, Mr. Pickering might have said, and with Justice " See Your friends the British are so angry with you for having " broken thro' Your ancient customs in attending upon this Council " fire, for the convenience of the people of the United States, that " Governor Simcoe will not allow Mr. Johnstone, whom you always " consider as one of yourselves, to be present at the Treaty, and to " assist you thereat, as your Interpreter; a circumstance, which is very " reasonable in itself, and particularly desirable to the United States, ^' who wish that all their transactions, which are perfectly Just, and " disinterested may be made public, and by no means approved of " their own established Interpreters being solely concerned in a treaty " between them, and the Indian Americans, who do not speak their "language, so Sachems and Warriors the pride and want of atten- " tion to you, from the British, and that particularly, since Governor " Simcoe knows very well, that the Government of the United States had acquiesced in the propriety of your request that Col. Butler " should be present, at the Treaty proposed to have been held last "year at Sandusky."
Brothers,
Some such language I have little doubt, would have been held by Mr. Pickering.
Brothers,
It is also necessary that I should say, that what Mr. Pickering has asserted in respect to the Treaty with your Western Brethren, having failed thro' the interference of the British, Is not true, and at present he knows it not to be true.
Brothers,
Mr. Pickering is now acquainted from the papers of his respectable predecessor Genl Knox, that the Sandusky, not the Miamis, was the place fixed on for the Genl. Treaty, there only did 'your Western Breth- ren desire the King's Vessels, might convey the Commissrs. until they rescinded that resolution, the Commissrs. well knew, it would not have been proper in me to have complied with any request of theirs, to alter its destination, Mr. Pickering knew more, he knew ihat I had declined permitting the Commissioners even to go to Detroit, as not expecting such a request, I had not time sufficient to advertise the officer Chief in command of it, under whose orders in all my transactions with the Commissioners, I necessarily acted.
96
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Brothers,
I shall say nu more on this subject, but that if Mr. Pickering really suspected any duplicity on the part of the British Govern- ment, why has he not made public all the transactions of his Com- mission? If he had done this, I am certain, that the people of the U. States whomsoever they might have blamed for the continuance of the War with the Indian Americans, must have been satisfied with the good will, and equity of the British Government.
Brothers,
Mr. Pickering is now in possession of the opinion of his prede- cessor in the war oflSce, that the real interests of the British Nation lead them to wish for peace between the United States and Indians.
Brothers,
A similar opinion has always directed my language and my conduct.
Brothers,
The Commissioners when at Niagara asked my opinion on the boundary line, I always declined entering on the subject, among other reasons, since the Western Inds. had requested my mediation as the King's representative, it was natural for me to expect the United States would concur in the request. I have still the same expectations, should I, or any of His Majesty's Servants, receive directions to meditate between the U. States, and Hostile Indians, what would be the consequence? In all human probability, peace upon equitable terms, the United States would then acknowledge the Justice of the King's oflScer, or as all proceedings must be made public, convict him on real grounds of any unfair transaction, and of that aversion to the United States, which Mr. Pickering has so ignorantly imputed to the British Nation.
Brothers,
Upon Mr. Pickering's Speech being delivered, you asked one another "Why are these words spoken in the absence of Governor " Simcoe? Were they spoken face to face, we them might understand "them." You will therefore warriors readily excuse my having tres- passed on your time in this explanation.
Brothers,
Mr. Pickering also introduced an account of the Troubles in France. Brothers,
You asked "to what purpose are the troubles in France, mentioned "to us? What have we to do with this long story?
LIEUT. GOV. SIMCOE TO THE SIX NATIONS.
97
Sachems,
The horrors that have been introduced into France, are too many to be repeated, did you know them, and should you ask where are the wise Councellors that Mr. Pickering mentioned to us, as having thrown down their King, and cut off his Head? Why do they not prevent these Barbarities? Mr. Pickering would tell you that those wise councellors have almost all thrown down one another, and have been, and are now cutting off each others heads.
Should you ask where are those intelligent French, who learned from the wise Americans of the States how to conduct their busi- ness? Why do not they prevent such mischiefs? Mr. Pickering would tell you, that the greatest part of them have had their heads out off in defence of the King whom he calls a Tyrant, but whom 'till he was dead. He, Colonel Pickering had frequently celebrated as the Great and Good Ally of the U. States. Brothers,
Should some of you remember with what respect and ceremony, and perhaps you may have seen him introduced among you, the Marquis La Fayette was treated, and should you enquire, where is this celebrated warrior? You would be told that he had fled from France, because he could not protect the King, and should he return thither, he would doubtless have his head struck off. Brothers,
The French Nation have not been able to prevent the King your Father with his ships from being master of the Seas, and the spirit of the Nation will by the blessing of God, preserve the envied superiority.
Brothers, ^
By the Treaty of 1783, Great Britain was to give up the posts of Oswegatchie, Oswego, Niagara, Fort Schlosser, Detroit, Michilli- mackinac &c. to the U. States. Brothers,
The United States were also to fulfill certain conditions on their part, in this they failed. Brothers,
You know the King has retained the posts ever since, and will retain them, until the United States perform their promises. Brothers,
You are eye witnesses that an assertion of Mr. Pickering's " that the British have been coveting all the Indian Country in question 13
98
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
for themselves" Is Dot true, for you see that no buildings have been suffered to be erected near the posts, and you have from time to time been made acquainted that when the U. States fulfilled the Treaty they would be evacuated. Brothers,
You have been informed that the menaces of General Wayne to approach Detroitj occasioned the Fort to be built at the Miamis Eapids. Brothers,
Mr. Pickering has said "that the talk of Lord Dorchester was like that, of Governor Simcoe" and that His Lordship said "A war was likely to take place." Brothers,
Why did Lord Dorchester say this? hear his words from the *' manner in which the people of the States push on, and act, and *' lalk on this side, and from what I learn of their conduct towards " the sea, I shall not be surprised if we are at war with them in "the course of the present year." Brothers,
The language of Mr. Pickering and the manner in which he talks of the King, and the British Nation are such as fully justify Lord Dorchester's expressions. Brothers,
You see that the King's faithful subjects who fought in his cause, not only against the United States, but three Nations, each of them separately, of much greater consequence, have sufficient Lands in this Country, and of a better quality for their purpose, than what is possessed by the United States. Brothers,
You see therefore, the British Nation do not desire war for the alteration of a Boundary, or extension of their Country. Brothers,
The British are warriors, and will always be ready to defend themselves. Brothers,
The U. States have not agreed to fulfil the Treaty as required, and in that case, the posts will be evacuated. Brothers,
Contrary to all expectation after the treaty of 1783, the Governors of the United States, did not respect your rights pretending that
LIEUT. GOV. SIMCOE TO THE SIX NATIONS.
99
the King ceded your whole Country, the Commissrs. of which Mr. Pickering was one, acknowledged this fact to the Western Indians, in a message from the mouth of Detroit Eiver.
Brothers,
By the present Treaty your rights are guarded, and specifically placed on thSir ancient footing.
Brothers,
I have the Treaty in my hand, as printed in the U. States, it establishes your rights upon the same Basis, that had been formerly agreed upon, between the French, and British Nations, and which I repeated in October last to the Western Indians, in the following words, children "In the victory over the French Nation the com- *' mon enemy, the interests of your Forefathers, and of you their
children were not forgotten, in the Treaty between the English the " Conquerors, and the French, it was stipulated that your rights " should be preserved, those rights which you enjoy as an Independ- " ent people. It was declared, that you had a right to go to the " English, and French fires for the purpose of traffic, and that you " had a right inseparable from an independent people to admit the " Traders of either nation to your Fires as suited your interest, or " inclination. "
Brothers of the Six Nations,
Upon these principles the present Treaty is established, you have a right to go to the British Settlements, or those of the U. States, as shall suit your convenience, nor shall you passing, or repassing with your own proper goods or effects of whatever nature, pay for i;he same any impost or duty whatever. Brothers,
You see therefore that by the Treaty a perpetual and constant communication is secured between you and the King's subjects and our future Trade, and intercourse, is guaranteed on the most unre- strained and general footing. Brothers,
The unremitting kindness and friendship between you, and the King's subjects of this Province your natural friends, which has lasted so many years, will I trust be perpetuated to our remotest descendants. Brothers,
The King's benevolence to you is so well known, that I scarcely need assure you under every circumstance it will always be continued
100
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
to you, and your descendants, and it will give me pleasure in anjr respect, to be the instrument of I his kindness to all his Indian Children.
J. G. S.
Endorsed: A.
In Lt. Governor Simcoe's No. 28 to His Grace The Duke of Portland.
[ Q 281-1, p 394 ] . •
LT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND. [ No. 28. ]
Upper Canada, Eort Erie, 29th August 1795.
My Lord Duke,
Having obtained a copy of the Treaty* as published in the United: States, and which seems to have been suflBciently authenticated for me to explain the grounds of mutual advantage to the contracting parties, and to our commerce with the Indian Nations; I delivered the inclosed Speech [A] to the Six Nations yesterday ; and received their answer [B] this day.
I beg to inclose Mr. Pickering's speechf [C] to which it alludes. An opportunity occurring I transmit this Dispatch to be forwarded to Your Grace by Sir John Temple.
Upon my return from the Long Point and the Grand River, whither I mean immediately to proceed I shall do myself the honour of writing to Your Grace more fully on the subject.
During the Council a vessell arrived from Detroit with an account of Mr. Wayne having made a Treaty with the Western Indians, but it is reported in such extravagant terms, as neither is, nor can be^ satisfactory, to those nations.
I have the honour to be
with the utmost respect.
My Lord Duke Your Grace's
most obedient and
most humble Servant His Grace The Duke of Portland, J. G. Simcoe.
One of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: Upper Canada, 29th Aug. 1795. Lt. Gov. Simcoe. R. 2d Dec. Ansd. No. 28. (Three Inclosures.)
[ Q 281-2, p 392 ]
♦Published in Vol. 20, page 410. t Published on page 53.
THE SIX NATIONS TO LIEIUT. GOV. SIMCOE.
101
liEPLY OF THE SIX NATIONS TO HIS EXCELLENCY GOVERNOR SIMCOE'S SPEECH OF THE 28TH AUGUST, 1795.
Fort Erie, 29th August 1795.
After the usual compliments were passed Captain Brant arose and addressed His Excellency in behalf of the Six Nations to the fol- lowing purport :
Brother,
We have received your Speech of yesterday in which you mention the intent for which we were called to assemble at this place which we perfectly understood. You there proceeded to explain some part of Mr. Pickering's Speech, with which we were very well satisfied, and thank you for the explanation, we shall now proceed to other matters.
Brother,
We are happy to hear that the long friendship which has subsisted between our Father's subjects and us, is now renewed, we doubt not but that it will continue as hitherto. It also gives us great satis- faction to hear that our Father's bounty will be continued to us.
Brother,
It is a custom with us always to tell our situation without reserve, ive therefore hope] fyou will not tbink it artiss, or that we are too free, in now laying it before you.
Brother,
Since the War between the British and Americans was concluded we found ourselves getting poorer than ever, many of our young men & warriors were killed in that war, whose widows and children were left destitute of any support except our Father's bounty, which of late has been less suflBcient for their support than formerly, the reason is, that from the number of whites settling round us the game has decreased and our situation become more distressed. We are fearful that we should be under the necessity of disposing of some part of our land unless it was possible that the King's bounty could be encreased to us.
Belt Black Wampum.
Brother,
The presents we do receive from the King our Father are gen- erally given in the fall, we wish if convenient they might be delivered a month or two sooner.
102 COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS.
Brother,
We are happy to hear that the late Treaty has preserved our rights as a free and Independent people entire, we hope we may find better, and cheaper articles such as we may, from time to time want among the British, as we would prefer dealing with them.
8 Strings Blk & White Wampum. Brother,
It hurts the feelings of the Six Nations to hear of the Treaty which our Western Brethren have made with the American General Wayne. We cannot help mentioning our opinion on the subject, we expected something of this nature would take place, as the person who has the care of them was absent, We are a little surprised at his leaving them at so critical a period when they most wanted advice, for being in that situation, without a head or person to direct, and advise them, has we fear been the cause of their mis- fortunes, they were led away by land Jobbers, and kept constantly intoxicated so that no regular business could be done with them.
His Excellency answered. Brothers,
It happened unfortunately that Sir John Johnson, who has the- care of you, has been detained in England upon his private affairs, longer than was expected, in consequence of which Lord Dorchester wished to confer with ilr. McKee the second Officer of the Depart- ment on the general situation of Indian Affairs.
It must have been owing to this circumstance if any inconven- ience did really happen, but I am unacquainted with any such inconvenience. J. G. S.
Endorsed: B.
In Lt. Governor Simcoe's No. 28 to His Grace The Dake of Portland.
[ Q 281-2, p 405 ]
LT. GOV. J. G. SIMOOE TO LORD DORCHESTER.
[ No. 71. ]
Navy Hall, October 12th 1795.
My Lord,
I do myself the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lord- ship's Letter of the 17th of August.
As it seems probable that the Treaty between the King and the United States will be completed at the time appointed, and that such alterations will take place without further delay as circumstances may require; I shall hope, my Lord, that my system which endeavours to
LIEUT. GOV. SIMCOE TO LORD DORCHESTER. 103
blend the civil protection and rapid advancement of this Province with the Military arrangements for a more general Defence, will be carried into Execution, more especially, as the whole system and no particular part of it, has already met with Mr. Secretary Dundas's approbation.
In this situation of affairs it appears prudent to wait to see what may finally be determined upon, and I shall therefore make no fur- ther civil arrangements under your Lordship's restrictions, than that of encouraging the erection of Saw and Grist mills in the vicinity of Long Point and on the waters of the Thames.
I beg to transmit to Your Lordship, a sketch which with the assistance of the general map formerly sent to you may elucidate the precise spot on which I have fixed for a Town at Long Point and for Barracks, and also, the position where a Pier and Blockhouse may be erected to give safety and protection to the shipping, and where ships if required, may be constructed.
On my return I came down the Grand River from the Indian Village by water to Dorchester's, and from thence crossed the Port- age into the Chippewa or Welland.
This Portage may be lessened to five miles, and as at all times goods may be loaded from Fort Chippewa at Dorchester's, vessels com- ing close to the shore, in a day & a half, It will I am persuaded be in many respects a more practicable and less expensive commu- nication for the merchant's with Long Point (if not with Detroit) than the present one by Fort Erie, and should Government adopt the same conveyance this essential difference would arise to the Soldiers that their health would not be injured by the Transport, which is apparently the case in those who struggle in a late season against the Rapids of Fort Erie.
I also transmit to your Lordship the extract of a Report made to ' me by Captain Adye of the Royal Artillery, whom I desired to visit Chatham, of the advantages of that situation as a Naval Building Place, and this opinion has been confirmed to me by Mr. Baker the Assistant Builder at Detroit, who says he has seen no situation on Lake Erie where shipping may be so cheaply and speedily constructed. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect My Lord
Your Lordship's M. O & M. H. S. The Right Honorable Lord Dorchester. J. G. Simcoe.
Endorsed: C.
In Lord Dorchester's No. 73 to the Duke of Portland.
[ Q 74-2, p 312 ]
lOi
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
COL. A. MC KEE TO JOSEPH CHEW.
Extract of a Letter from Alexander MoKee Esquire Deputy Super- intendent General &o. to Joseph Chew Esqr. Secretary to the Indian Department, dated Detroit 24th October 1795.
"I am just returned from the River Thames and the Channail Eoarte where I have held Councils with the Chiefs of the Chippewas, and entered into a Provisional Agreement with them for the Pur- chase of Twelve miles Square at Channail Ecarte pursuant to His Excellency Lord Dorchester's directions, intended by His Lordship's benevolence for the future residence of such of the Western Nations of Indians as have been driven from their Country by the Army of the United States."
"Their numbers cannot be ascertained at present with any degree of exactness, but I have reason to believe the greatest part of those who have been so long at Swan Creek and also the Ottawas of the River Rasine, will go to these Lands and may amount to between Two and Three Thousand."
"The Chippawas are the only Proprietors of these Lands, and I am happy to state that they most readily consented to a sale thereof and chearfully embraced my proposal; Some of the Chiefs of the Ottawas accompanied me to view the spot which their Fathers good- ness had suggested as a convenient situation for them to set down upon, are extremely happy in having seen a country every way proper and calculated as well for Hunting as Cornfields and villages and they express and earnest desire to be permitted to plant thereon as soon as the season will allow them in the Spring."
Endorsed: B.
In Lord Dorchester's No. 97 to the Duke of Portland.
[ Q 75-2, p 474 ]
LORD DORCHESTER TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
[ No. 71. ]
Quebec, 26th October 1795.
My Lord,
I enclose a copy of a Treaty* which was concluded between Gen- eral Wayne, on the part of the United States, and the Indian Tribes of the Wyandots, Delawares, Shawenoes, Ottawas, Chipewas, Putawat- omes, Miamis, Weeas, and Kickapoee.
♦Publiehel in Vol. 20, page 410.
105
import- ng the Df that
of the Indian Dw flat we can
icluded by the by the
[ndians it they to the
STER.
itter & In
1795.
ordship I have at any effect-
104 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS. i
COL. A. MC KEE TO JOSEPH CHEW.
Extract of a Letter from Alexander McKee Esquire Deputy Super- [ intendent General &o. to Joseph Chew Esqr. Secretary to the Indian Department, dated Detroit 24th October 1795.
"I am just returned from the River Thames and the Channail Ecarte where I have held Councils with the Chiefs of the Chippewas, and entered into a Provisional Agreement with them for the Pur- | chase of Twelve miles Square at Channail Ecarte pursuant to His i Excellency Lord Dorchester's directions, intended by His Lordship's benevolence for the future residence of such of the Western Nations of Indians as have been driven from their Country by the Army of the United States."
"Their numbers cannot be ascertained at present with any degree of exactness, but I have reason to believe the greatest part of those who have been so long at Swan Creek and also the Ottawas of the River Rasine, will go to these Lands and may amount to between Two and Three Thousand."
"The Chippawas are the only Proprietors of these Lands, and I am happy to state that they most readily consented to a sale thereof and chearfully embraced my proposal; Some of the Chiefs of the Ottawas accompanied me to view the spot which their Fathers good- ness had suggested as a convenient situation for them to set down upon, are extremely happy in having seen a country every way proper and calculated as well for Hunting as Cornfields and villages and they express and earnest desire to be permitted to plant thereon as soon as the season will allow them in the Spring."
Endorsed: B.
In Lord Dorchester's No. 97 to the Duke of Portland. /
[Q 75-2, p 474 ] |
LORD DORCHESTER TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
[ No. 71. ]
Quebec, 26th October 1795.
My Lord,
I enclose a copy of a Treaty* which was concluded between Gen- eral Wayne, on the part of the United States, and the Indian Tribes of the Wyandots, Delawares, Shawenoes, Ottawas, Chipewas, Putawat- omes, Miamis, Weeas, and Kickapoes.
♦Published in Vol. 20, page 410.
104
Extract intenc Depai
"I ai Eoarte and ent chase o Excellei benevol( of Indi the Un
"The of exac who ha Kiver } Two an
"The am hap and ch( OttawaB ness ha( upon, a and cal they es soon ag
Endorsed: In L
[Q 7
[ No.
My Lo: I en< eral Wi
of the omes, ]
*Publi
LIEUT. GOV. SIMCOE TO LORD DORCHESTER.
105
That Your Grace may the more readily see the nature and import- ance of this Treaty, a map is transmitted therewith shewing the Boundary Line, as well as the extra concessions in front of that Line; those under the description of "Lands in possession of the French and other white Settlers among them of which the Indian Title has been extinguished" marked on the map by a yellow flat shade, seem to open a claim of great extent, and at present we can but imperfectly specify their number and situation.
Such parts of this Treaty as militate against that lately concluded between Lord Grenville and Mr. Jay, and since confirmed by the President of the United States will, I presume, be adjusted by the two governments.
By the last accounts from Upper Canada it appears that the Indians now think they have been imposed on in the Treaty, and that they were not aware of the extent of the Concessions made by it to the United States.
I am with great Kespect and Esteem My Lord
Your Grace's
most obedient
bumble Servant
Dorchester.
His Grace The Duke of Portland, &ca. &ca. &ca.
Endorsed: Quebec, 26th Octr. 1795. Lord Dorchester.
R. 7th Deer. Ansd. No. 71. (Four laclosures, one voluminous.) Duplicate of this Letter & In closures sent to Lord Grenville 13 Jany.
[ Q 74-2, p 264 ]
My Lord,
LIEUT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE TO LORD DORCHESTER.
Navy Hall, November 3d 1795.
From Detroit as yet I have not had any return. Your Lordship is acquainted with the high price of Flour in that District, I have no doubt, but Colonel England will be obliged to purchase it at any Tate, as the bad weather and the lateness of the season must effect- 14
106
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
ually prevent him from receiving any great quantity by this com- munication.
It appears therefore to me doubtful whether the supplies can be furnished by this Province. The merchants will probably withhold their offers to a very late period, they state and plausibly that the Farmers from whom they receive their grain generally overrate the quantity which they have in their Barns before it is threshed out, consequently they would subject themselves to miscalculations did they depend on their assurances.
The merchants must therefore wait until they make a just ascer- tainment of the Produce, and it has not been customary with them therefore to give in their estimates previously to the opening of the Communication in April.
I apprehend from Mr. Farquharson's Eeport that the whole quan- tity of Flour and Peas has not always been received into the King's Stores, tho' Certificates have been passed for the Payment; the Com- missary being satisfied it was in the hands of ostensible and suffi- cient persons.
The Agent for Purchases will immediately issue the Advertisement. I do myself the honor of transmitting to Your Lordship; and no means will be left untried to obtain the supplies as cheap as possi- ble. Considering that on this change of system, there has not been as was constantly proposed, magazines erected to guarantee the quantity wanted by Government, in lieu of other secureties, and to prevent the impositions of the Merchants, and consequent, to a system that must ultimately destroy their monopoly.
I shall from time to time, as opportunity serves, do myself the honor of communicating to Your Lordship any further information I shall receive on this important object.
I have the honor to be with the greatest respect &ca.
J. G. SiMCOE.
The Rt. Hon. Lord Dorchester.
Endorsed:
In Lord Dorchester's No. 75 to the Duke of Portland-
[ Q 75-1, p 41 ]
LIEUT. GOV. SIMCOE TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND. 107
LT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND. [ No. 36. ]
Upper Canada, York, December 30th 1795.
My Lord Duke,
I had yesterday the honor of receiving Your Grace's Dispatch No. 8 together with triplicates of Nos. 6 and 7.
Your Grace will have been acquainted by my Dispatch No. 28 that I took advantage of the Treaty between His Majesty and the United States being published in the newspapers of the States to explain to the Indians agreeably to Your Grace's directions the favorable situation, in which they are placed by the Treaty of Peace and to prepare their minds for the evacuation of the Posts.
The People of the States who meant to settle at Oswegatchie have thought proper not to persist in their design on my dis- countenancing of the measure.
General Wayne, with between eight and nine hundred men, remains in quiet at his former station Grenville, nor has He executed any of his threats of advancing within the limits of His Majesty's Posts.. I have the honour to be with the utmost Respect My Lord Duke,
Your Grace's
most obedient and
most humble servant
J. G. Simcoe.
His Grace The Duke of Portland,
One of His Majesty's principal Secretaries of State, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: Upper Canada, 30th Deer. 1795. In Genl. Simcoe. R. 28th April. Ansd. 3d Augt. No. 36.
[ Q 282-1, p 155 ]
108
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
II
1
5 s
S 2 s
S o o cc ^ - o ,o
s i «
4
s 9 n s
2 s
! ! ! : ! ! : i !
lillillilllliliil
li
! i J ::!!!: 1 I :
^llililiilll
; ; I I S J ■ ■ i : i ; i :
ifiiijiiiiiiiiiiii
: — ; — ; — :
3
Uynif ilijiiili
JUiHllilliilliil
APPOINTMENTS AND PENSIONS— INDIAN DEPARTMENT.
S S S g
QO 00 00 00 00 00 00
O Q O O O O O
43 ^ -tJ ^ ^ -4^
-fS 1^ ^
d
1-5 ®
>^ > ^
I"
'Hi B
o >»
as
CD O
2
5
PI
B
O
§ 5
w w
CD. O
1-s
5^ O
OQ
13 .2
o
03
0)
P
•--Ok
Q
g g
ft
PI .
D CQ
® ft CD
CO
G<1
I
to
\
110
COLONFAL OFFICE RECORDS.
O.
g|5
Oj-S CO
i
S ^ n m m ta
O <M »rt lO
o 00 ca 00 00
00 00 00
o c- ■«*
3 3 3 3 3 3 3
43 +3 ^ J^S 43 43
3
3
e- & i§ ^ &
g'-S§33§S3
® d
1 1
-spa ^ ^ ^
a ;§ ^
I § i
o a 3
H H O
Q
2
<J cS
^ GQ
£ Si ■a « S O
GQ O
^ 3
(D
2 ^
-♦-> 'i-i
O Q
CO
o PI
QD <D O
S
(D
la
11
>3 ' '
o
p. ^
LIEUT. COL. STEVENSON TO HENRY DUNDAS, SECY. Ill
LT. COL. CHARLES STEVENSON TO HENRY DUNDAS, SEC'y.
Copy of a Letter to the Eight Honble Henry Dundas. Sir,
The last accounts from America having materially altered the cir- cumstances of the relative situation in which the United States were expected to stand towards us, I have deemed it my duty to turn very fully in my mind the different bearings in which the delay in the execution of the last Treaty or the refusal on the part of the American Legislature to accede to it might affect Upper Canada, I have likewise been assisted in this object by the Marquis of Buck- ingham whose attachment to General Simcoe and whose correspond- ence with him has enabled him to judge with great advantage of the situation in which that Province may unexpectedly be placed in the month of July, if any circumstances should delay the evacuation {under the last Treaty) of our posts at Niagara and Detroit and it is at his desire I renew my proposal which had been approved by H. K. H. the Duke of York for raising a Black Legion, of 1000 men from the Coasts of America & the back of Virginia and Pen- silvania this Levy would in the contingency of good understanding with America give the means of strengthening the West India Army from Nova Scotia and in any other contingency might be the founda- tion of a Force which might be encreased to any extent and with consequences the most decisive in an American contest. I feel that it would be improper for me to dwell in this letter upon the present ^ippearance of French Politicks & their operations in America my long services in that Country, the confidential situation I held in Sir Henry Clinton's Family, my intercourse equally confidential with Genl Simcoe the time which I lately passed in the United States have given me data on which I have ventured to form my opinion, I have troubled you with the renewal of my proposal assuring myself that you will not consider me as urging from personal consideration an object in which I must necessarily meet many diflSculties, much fatigue and no personal advantage being first Lt. Colonel of the 5th Regt there is but little inducement for me to leave it, but flatter- ing myself, if I meet with liberal treatment, that my knowledge of that part of America and some knowledge of the character of the Blacks which I learned when serving in the West Indies, might prove useful in forming them for Service, I cannot from the encreased difficulty of that mode of recruiting do more than offer my services to assist Govmt. in raising a Legion of 1000 Blacks, endeavouring
112
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
to raise them as reasonably as circumstances will permit, the fol^ lowing plan is nearly similar to one I had the honor of submitting to you last Sept after it had met with the approbation of H. R. H. the Duke of York, I propose on being appointed Lieut. Colonel Commandant with the Rank of Colonel in America to raise the Legion as follows, to consist of eight companies and 4 Troops, witb the following proportion of officers non comd. officers & Staff
Lt Colonel Commandant 2 Lt Colonels 2 Majors 12 Capts
24 Lieuts " 12 Ensigns
1 Surgeon
2 Mates
Qr Master & Adgt. each Compy to consist of 1 Capt 2 Lieuts 1 Ensign 90 menv each Troop 1 Capt. 1 Lieut 1 corn't 45 men.
8 Compy s at 90 each 720
4 Sergts 32
4 Corps 32
1 Drummer 8
Infantry 792
4 Troops at 45 ea 180
3 Sergts . 12
3 Corps 12
1 Trumpet 4
Cavalry 208
Infantry 792
Cavalry 208
Total 1,000
Govmt to allow 8 guineas per Recruit and 12 guineas per Horse. The Field Officers without Companies as in the West Indies, the Officers of the Corps if reduced to have their rank & half pay, arms, accoutrements & cloathing to be provided or the usual allowance for them — to render this easy Govt. I propose that the officers who may
LIEUT. COL. STEVENSON TO HENRY DUNDAS, SECY. 113
wish to leave their present Regts to go with me in the same rank into the corps, to be permitted to sell that they may be enabled to contribute a sum to assist in recruiting the regt other officers to pay a sum for their respective promotions according to circumstances for the same purpose, as many prejudices subsist amongst officers about joining such corps, I must have it in my power when argu- ment fails to have recourse to interest to induce them to conquer their reluctance which the regulation alluded to above would enable me to do, I shd require one White Sergt per Troop & Compy as a pay Segt as likewise the Sergt Major, Qr. Mr. Sergt, & Drum Major — others might be lent by the regts in Canada until I could replace them with my own people, this Corps as a Legion I shd from my knowledge of that Country & the particular services neces- sary for the Troops, form them into the several following descrip- tions— As Batteaux men, as Marines to fight and work the Gun Boats, as Hussar Troops, possibly at some future day may be neces- sary to oppose the Kentucky Cavalry the most active Troops of our neighbors and likewise from their habits of labours may oftimes be usefully employed as pioneers and miners, such a corps in such a Country formed for so many services must be of the most general utility, and on occasion may form the basis of so many difft Bat- talions, to acquire so usefull a Body of Men, and to acquire them so reasonably, I shd conceive would be an object that meritted the attention of Govt, the establishment of an American Black Corps is an experiment that may fail if not in good hands a knowledge of the character of the American Black is necessary, shd the plan meet with Mr. Dundas's approbation I shall take the earliest oppor- tunity of laying it before His K. Highness the Duke of York for the official communication I feel myself much obliged to the Mar- quis of Buckingham for his kind assistance in digesting the plan and for the usefull Hints he was pleased to give me from his com- munications with General Simcoe, sh'd any part of this plan require further explanation he will I am sure readily give it to you, having done me the honor to give me his opinion of it and his earnest recommendation to propose it at the present moment. I have the honor to be Sir
Your most obedt. Servant.
Chs. Stevenson,
Endorsed; In Lt. Col. Stephenson's of the 1st April 1796. x i. i T? i.
Copy. Lt.Genl. Prescott. ^ Lt. Ool. Otn Jliegt.
[ Q 282-2, p 607 ] 15
114
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
ADJ. GEN. GEORGE BECKWITH TO LT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE.
Head Quarters, Quebec, 4th April 1796.
The 5th, 24th and Detachments of the 60th Regiment will hold themselves in readiness to return to Lower Canada, soon after the evacuation of the Upper Posts, beyond our Frontier.
The Queen's Rangers to be prepared to detach one captain, two Subalterns and one hundred men with non-commissioned oflScers in proportion to the Detroit river, and one Captain, two Subalterns and one hundred men, with non-commissioned oflBoers in proportion to the River of Niagara, to occupy the several Posts on those commun- ications within our Frontier. They will guard the King's Stores and give all proper assistance to expediate their necessary Transport.
After the evacuation of the Posts, an officer & ten men of the Royal Artillery with the usual proportion of non-commissioned officers, to do duty at the River Detroit, an officer with a similar Detach- ment, to do duty at the River Niagara, a non-commissioned officer & Five men to be continued at Kingston; the remainder of this corps, now serving in Upper Canada is then to return to Quebec.
Geo. Beckwith,
Adjt. Genl.
Major General Simcoe, Lieut. Govr. Upper Canada.
Endorsed: C. In Lord Dorchester's No. 57 to the Duke of Portland.
[ Q 75-1, p 264 ]
LORD DORCHESTER TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
My Lord, Quebec, 16th April 1796.
The Disposition of the Troops in Upper and Lower Canada being of importance, and a difference of opinion on this head still existing between Major General Simcoe and myself, it is proper I should lay his reasons [A] before Your Grace, and the more so as he thinks them supported by great authorities.
These matters not appearing to me in the same light, after hint- ing [B] at some grounds for a difference of opinion [C], I added such orders [D] as I judged expedient for the present.
Should no circumstance occur which may require a temporary alteration after the Evacuation of the Posts, I shall order the Fifth, Twenty fourth, and the Detachment of the Sixtieth Regiment to Lower Canada, and send up so many of the Canadian Volunteers as may do the Duty at Kingston.
Map of the Straits of St. Mary.
Map of Part of the Entrance to Detroit River.
LORD DORCHESTER TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
115
The Hundred Men at Detroit River will afford a Detachment towards the Rapids of St. Mary. Probably Cariboux Island will be the best Station for them.
The object is, to form, within our Frontier a Rendezvous for the Indian Traders (returning with Furs from their wintering grounds round Lake Michigan and near the Mississippi) where they may meet the Merchants, or their agents from Lower Canada, discharge past credits with their Peltries, and receive a fresh supply of goods for the ensuing winter; this commerce has hitherto been carried on at Michilimackinac during the whole of the month of June, at which time about eight hundred persons are thus assembled, besides Indians of various Tribes who resort to the Rendezvous for presents, or for news and sometimes to make Peace under the King's Protection.
It may be necessary to build a Blockhouse on Cariboux Island; but for the present I have ordered there only an officer and a few men.
An Engineer is to go up and view the spot, and make his Report before anything more is directed. He will also view the Rapids of St. Mary, and Report on that Passage and the adjacent Country, and afterwards give his advice to the Gentlemen of the North West Trade who purpose making a Road within the Frontier for the convenience of transporting their goods over the Carrying Place.
The Transport of the King's Stores being greatly lessened by the bringing down of the Troops, the Marine on the Lakes will of course be reduced in proportion, but not too suddenly lest inconvenience might arise from a want of sufficient Transport during the present Season.
I inclose a Sketch of the Rapids of St. Mary, comprehending Cariboux Island and Michilimackinac, together with one of part of the entrance of Detroit River and two of the River Niagara, which (with a map delivered -into the Secretary of States office in the year 91, of the Province of Quebec, extending from the Sea to the Mis- sissippi) will elucidate all the arrangements for Upper Canada,
I am with great Regard & Esteem My Lord
Your Grace's Most obedient humble servant.
Dorchester.
His Grace The Duke of Portland, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: Qaebec, 16th April 1796. Lord Dorchester. R. nth June. Ansd. 3d Angt. No. 87, (Eight Inclosares.)
[ Q 75-1, p 246 ]
116
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
LORD DORCHESTER TO COL. A. MC KEE.
Sir, Quebec, 23d April 1796.
Ciroumstanoes have arisen, which will probably for a time delay the Evaouation of the Upper Posts, among which some relating to the Interests of the Indians do not appear the least important.
By the Eighth Article of the Treaty entered into, the 3d August last, between Mr. Wayne and them, it is stipulated that no person shall be allowed to reside among or to trade with these Indian Tribes, unless they be furnished with a Licence from the Govern- ment of the United States, and that every person so trading, shall be delivered up by the Indians to an American Superintendant, to be dealt with according to Law, which is inconsistent with the third article of the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation, previously concluded between His Majesty and the United States, by which it is agreed, that " it shall at all times be free to His Majesty's " Subjects and to the Citizens of the United States, and also to the Indians, dwelling on either side of the Boundary Line, freely to " pass and re-pass by land or Inland Navigation into the respective it Territories and Countries of the two parties on the Continent of " America {the Country Within the Limits of the Hudson's Bay Com-
pany only excepted) and to navigate the Lakes, Rivers, and Waters " thereof, and freely to carry on Trade and Commerce loith each " otherr
Previously therefore to the actual execution of the Treaty on our part, it is requisite that we should be convinced that the stipula- tions entered into by the United States will also be fulfilled by them — and on a Point so interesting to His Majesty's Subjects, and more especially to the Indians, it is indispensably necessary that all doubts and misconseptions should be removed. His Majesty's Min- ister at Philadelphia is accordingly instructed to require an explana- tion on this subject. Till therefore the same shall be satisfactorily terminated I shall delay the surrender of the Posts.
These matters you will be pleased to explain to the Indians, point- ing out to them at the same time the benevolent care & regard always manifested towards them by the King their Father, and par- ticularly the attention that has been shewn to their Interests on the present occasion.
I am with Regard Sir Y. M. O. H. S. Colonel McKee. Dorchester.
Endorsed: A.
la Lord Dorchester's No. 97 to the Dake of Portland.
[ Q 75-2, p 471 ]
LIEUT. GOV. SIMCOE TO LORD DORCHESTER.
117
JAMES MC HENRY, SEO'Y OF WAE, TO LORD DORCHESTER.
Sir, War Office, May 10th 1796.
I have the honor to communicate to Your Lordship, that the Provisions required on the part of the United States, by the Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation, between His Britannic Majesty and the United States of America, have been duly made by Govern- ment, with which the President has instructed me to inform you.
It has been also given to me in charge to mention, that, in con- formity to the second Article of the said Treaty, detachments from the Army of the United States are ordered to be put in motion, to take possession of the Posts to be evacuated. In the mean while. Captain Lewis, who will have the honor to present this Letter, is authorized to receive from your Lordship, and transmit to these Detachments, a duplicate of the orders for their Evacuation, and to concur in arrangements, relative to this object, if such concurrence shall be in any particular necessary.
Permit me on this occasion to express to Your Lordship, the pleasure I experience in contemplating the beneficial consequences, that may be expected to flow from an instrument, that establishes between the two nations, and their Inhabitants, good understanding and friendly intercourse, so essential to their mutual prosperity, and which it is the wish of the United States to render perpetual. With the greatest respect I have the honor to be
Your Lordship's most obedient Servant
James McHenry,
Eight Honble Lord Dorchester. Secy of War.
Endorsed : A.
In Lord Dorchester's No. 95 to the Duke of Portland.
[ Q 75-2, p 451 ]
LIEUT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE TO LORD DORCHESTER.
My Lord, Navy Hall, May 20th ]796.
I do myself the honor of acknowledging your Lordship's Letter No. 48.
Your Lordship as Commander in Chief is undoubtedly the only Person who in a Military view can Judge, what disposition of Troops the present posture of the King's Affairs requires; and as an OflScer I have nothing but to obey.
118
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
I presume it will not be unbecoming of me to observe, that I have never thought of placing any Troops so far out of the way as the Establishment at Bois Blanc.
I have the honor to be with the Greatest Eespect My Lord Your Lordship's most obedient and most humble Servant.
J. G. SiMCOE.
Eight Honble Lord Dorchester, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: A.
In Lord Dorchester's No. 96 to the Duke of Portland.
[ Q 75-2, p 462 ]
LORD DORCHESTER TO LIEUT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE.
[ No. 52. ]
Sir, Quebec, 26th May 1796.
I do not comprehend how any diflBculty can arise with the Indians concerning their Lands for not an acre will be taken or accepted from them, whether the Troops are withdrawn or not, without their being perfectly satisfied.
With regard to the Tract on the Grand River, if the Five Nations choose to hold it under the Title given by General Haldimand, in preference to any that has since been offered no other should be forced upon them; for it certainly would be very impolitic to enter into a serious dispute as to the mode of conveying Lands which have been given to them as a Reward for services.
I have already stated that a Purchase of Indian Territory having been once made by the Commander in Chief, for the King's Prov- ince of Upper Canada, the Policy and Formalities of distributing the same depend upon the Civil Government.
Having premised thus much, it seems only necessary to assure you, that upon application made conformably to the established Regula- tions, I shall give every facility to the purchase of such Tracts in Upper Canada as you shall think the King's Services may require. I am with Regard Sir
Your most obedient humble Servant.
Dorchester.
Major General Simcoe, Lieut. Governor of Upper Canada.
Endorsed: C.
In Lord Dorchester's No. 97 to the Duke of Portland.
[ Q 75-2, p 476 ]
LORD DORCHESTER TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND. 119
LORD DORCHESTER TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
[ No. 94. ]
Quebec, 28th May 1796.
My Lord,
I have recently received a Dispatch from Mr. Bond informing me, that the necessary appropriations have been made by the Government of the United States for carrying the Treaty with His Majesty into effect, and that an additional Article has been concluded and signed agreeably to the Explanation which he had it in command from His Majesty to require on the subject of the Indian Treaty.
In consequence of this satisfactory arrangement, a Capt Lewis is arrived here authorized by. the Executive Government of the United States to receive and transmit to Detachments from the Army of the United States appointed to take Possession of the Posts to be evacu- ated. Duplicates of such orders as I shall give for their Evacuation, and to concur in arrangements relative to this object, if such con- currence shall be in any particular necessary."
I have directed the Adjutant General to acquaint Capt. Lewis that I am perfectly satisfied with the Information I have received from Mr. Bond, and that I should give immediate orders for the Evacua- tion of the Posts, but he has expressed a wish that the orders might be delayed till their own Troops shall be at hand to occupy them, which may probably retard the Evacuation for some time.
An unexpected opportunity afforded me Just time to write to Mr. Listen concerning the Regulation of the Duties to be paid upon such merchandize as shall be imported into His Majesty's Provinces by Subjects of the United States conformable to the Stipulations of the Treaty. A copy of my Letter is inclosed. I am with great Respect
and EsteeiH My Lord
Your Grace's most obedient
humble Servant
Dorchester.
His Grace the Duke of Portland, &c. &c. <fec.
Endorsed; Quebec, 28th May 1796. Lord Dorchester. R. 28th July. Ansd. 3d Augt. No. 94.
[ Q 75-2, p 446 ]
120
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
LIEUT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE TO LORD DORCHESTER.
Navy Hall, May 29th 1796.
My Lord,
As it appears, evidently by the Plan transmitted in Your Lord- ship's Dispatch of the 25th of January 1796 No. 46, that the Isle aux Bois blanc (on which Batteries are marked to be erected in that Plan) is by the Treaty within the Line of the United States.
I am to request of Your Lordship, instructions, what is to be the conduct of the oflBcer who is to command in the Post, to be estab- lished opposite to that Island, in case the oflQcer commanding the Forces of the United States shall offer to take possession of the Isle au Bois blanc for civil or Military purposes? I have the honor to be
With great respect
My Lord
Your Lordships
M. O. & M. h. S.
J. Graves Simcoe,
Major General.
The Eight Honble Lord Dorchester.
Endoreed : A.
In Lord Dorchester's No. IGl to the Duke of Portland.
[ Q 76, p 120 ]
ADJ. GEN. GEORGE BEOKWITH'S ORDER FOR EVACUATING THE POSTS.
Quebec, Ist June 1796.
The Officers commanding the Forts at Ontario, Niagara, Miamis, Detroit and Miohilimackinac will proceed in evacuating their respec- tive Posts completely, with all convenient speed, taking care to pre- vent all disorders.
The Artillery and King's Stores being sent off, the Commanding Officers of the Fifth, and Twenty fourth Kegiments, and of the Detachment of the Sixtieth, will embark their Corps, and return to Lower Canada, as may be most convenient to the Troops; leaving however an officer and Twenty men at Miohilimackinac; A Captain, two Subalterns and fifty men at Detroit; a Subaltern and twenty men at Fort Miamis; a Captain two Subalterns and fifty men at Niagara, and an officer and twenty men at Ontario:
GENERAL ORDER FOR EVACUATING THE POSTS. 121
These Parties are to remain as a guard for the Protection of the Works and Public Buildings, till the Troops of the United States are at hand to occupy the same; when they will embark, giving a statement in writing of the condition and nature of the said works and Public Buildings, to the officer who shall be appointed to take Possession, and who will sign a Duplicate to be forwarded to the Adjutant General at Quebec. These Guards will bring with them to Lower Canada, the Artificers of their Respective Corps, who are to be continued at the King's Works till their Return.
Geo. Beokwith, ^ Adjut. Genl.
Endorsed: D.
In Lord Dorchester's No. 95 to the Duke of Portland.
[ Q 75-2, p 458 ]
GENEEAL ORDER EOR EVACUATING THE POSTS.
Quebec, 2d June 1796.
It is the Commander in Chief's order that in obedience to former Ontario Instructions, you do evacuate the Post of
Niagara ^^^^ officer belonging to the Forces of the United States
Detroit i
Fort Miamis oi America as shall produce this authority to you for Michiiimakinac that purpose and who will precede the Troops destined to garrison it by one Day, in order that he may have time to view the nature and condition of the Works and Buildings, of which he is to receive a statement from You in writing. You will require the Officer to sign a Duplicate of the Statement which you are to for- ward to the Adjutant General at Quebec.
Geo. Beckwith, Adjt. Genl.
The commanding the Guard for the protection of
the Works & Buildings. '
Endorsed: C.
In Lord Dorchester's No. 95. To the Duke of Portland.
[ Q 75-2, p 457 ] 16
122
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
ADJ. GEN. GEORGE BECKWITH TO JAMES MC HENRY, SEO'Y OF WAR.
Quebec, 3d June 1796.
Sir,
I have it in command from His Majesty's Governor General to acknowledge the Keceipt of your Dispatch of the 10th of last month by Captain Lewis. At the same time I have the honor to acquaint you that the necessary orders have been transmitted for the evacua- tion of the Frontier Posts in the Upper Country, in which oflScers guards will be left for the security of the Works and Buildings, until the Troops of the United States shall be ready to take posses- sion, Captain Lewis having represented that this measure would meet the President's wishes and' be generally pleasing to Your Govern- ment. This gentleman has received the necessary orders to the officers commanding those guards, that he may dispose of them according to his Instructions.
And it does not appear that similar ideas of importance are attached to the small Posts held upon Lake Champlain and at Oswegatchie, our Parties will be withdrawn from those places in a few days.
I have it in particular charge from Lord Dorchester to unite his cordial good wishes to yours, that the most solid and lasting friend- ship may be perpetuated between the two Nations, which cannot fail to produce all those Blessings which you, Sir, have so feelingly and justly described.
I have the honor to be
With the highest respect &ca.
Geo. Beokwith,
Adjt. Genl.
The Honble James McHenry, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: B.
In Lord Dorchester's No. 95. To the Dake of Portland.
[ Q 75-2, p 453 ]
LORD DORCHESTER TO ROBERT LISTON, ESQ.
Quebec, 6th June 1796^
Sir,
In my Letter . of the 26th May I acquainted you, that to prevent any misunderstanding between this Government & that of the United States, I had passed over an Irregularity at St. John's; since which a quantity of Drugs and Medicines having been offered for entry
LORD DORCHESTER TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND. 123
under the Faith of the Treaty, the King's Officer at that Post (who had stopped and reported them in obedience to his Instructions) has been directed to admit them to entry, taking security for payment of the Duties which will be established conformably to the Stipula- tions of the Treaty; and he is ordered to observe the same line of conduct without delay on all similar occasions that shall occur pre- vious to his receiving the Eegulations.
Captain Lewis who is sent here on the part of the United States, was informed on his arrival, that in consequence of the satisfactory Intelligence received from Mr. Bond, I should give directions for the immediate Evacuation of the Posts; but he requested that they might not be evacuated till the Troops of the United States should be at hand to protect the Works and Public Buildings.
Being desirous to meet the wishes of the President, I have quali- fied my orders in a manner that I think will answer this purpose; a copy of them is inclosed, together a copy of the Adjutant Gen- eral's Letter to the American Secretary of War.
I trouble you with these particulars lest any unfounded Rumours should give rise to a misrepresentation with regard to our readiness to carry the Treaty into immediate effect.
Trusting on our part to their good Faith I shall with all convenient speed order down the greater part of the Troops from Upper Canada. I am with Eegard
Sir
Y. M. 0. h. S.
Dorchester.
Robert Listen, Esq., His Britannic Majesty's Minister Plenipotentiary.
Endorsed: C.
In Lord Dorchester's No. 95. To the Dake of Portland.
[ Q 75-2, p 455 ]
LORD DORCHESTER TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
[ No. 95. ]
Quebec, 11th June 1796.
My Lord,
Dup.(8eperate) I yesterday received Your Grace's Dispatches of the Dates
13th Jany. gjjjj Numbcrs Specified in the margin. Dup!no.24 15th Inclosed is a copy of a Letter [A] to me from the American Dup. private. Secretary of War, and of the Adjutant General's answer [B] ; also a copy of my second Letter [0] to Mr. Listen and of the general Orders given for the Evacuation of the Posts.
124
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
All matters regarding the Evacuation being arranged. Captain Lewis set out on his Eeturn to Philadelphia on the 8th Instant, taking with him the orders of the 2d June to the respective officers commanding the Guards left in the several Forts.
I am with great respect and Esteem My Lord
Your Grace's
most obedient
humble Servant
DOECHESTER.
His Grace The Duke of Portland.
Endorsed: Quebec, 11th June 1796. Lord Dorchester. R. 26th July. Ansd. 3d Augt. No. 95. (Five Inclosures.)
[ Q 75-2, p 450 ]
ADJ. GEN. GEOEGE BECKWITH EESPEOTING ISLE BOIS BLANO.
G. O. Head Quaeters, Quebec, 13th June 1796.
A Party of a Sergeant and Eight Men from the Detachment on the Detroit Kiver to be posted upon the Island of Bois blanc oppo- site to the new works constructed on that communication.
This Post not to be withdrawn without the special order of the Commander in Chief.
Geo. Beckwith,
Adjt. Genl.
Endorsed: B.
In Lord Dorchester's No. 101. To the Duke of Portland.
[ Q 76, p 121 ]
LORD DOECHESTEE TO LT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE.
Quebec, 13th June 1796.
SlE,
I am not apprehensive that any attempt will be made by the Officer commanding the Troops of the United States, to take pos- session of the Tsle aux Bois blanc; but as you have stated a case, and desire to have instructions eventually, I have given orders to that Point; a copy of which will be transmitted to you by the Adjutant General; and I must observe that the late open & liberal
LORD DORCHESTER TO THE DUKE OP PORTLAND. 125
conduct of the Executive Government of the United States, evinces a sincere intention of carrying the Treaty fully into effect; and there is every reason to believe that where doubts or difficulties shall arise they will be amicably decided in the way prescribed by the Treaty, by means of commissioners.
I have sent for the Plan from which the copy inclosed in my Letter, No. 46, was made. No idea of Isle aux Bois blanc being within the Line of the United States was meant to be conveyed by it, on the contrary, that Plan was intended to show nothing but what was considered as on our side of the Treaty Line; and of that only such part as was necessary to point out distinctly the position to be taken by us; and Lieutenant Colonel Mann seems much distressed by Your Inference.
The Traces of Works & Batteries only shew his opinion of the ground proper for Military Purpose, and the Yellow Line, as well round the Island as on the main, denotes the Eeserves which it might be advisable to make. I am with regard
Sir
Your most obedient
humble Servant.
Dorchester.
Major General Simcoe, Lieut. Governor of Upper Canada.
Endorsed: C.
In Lord Dorchester's No. 101. To the Dake of Portland.
[ Q 76, p 122 ]
LORD DORCHESTER TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
[ No. 97. ]
Quebec, 18th June 1796.
My Lord,
No time has been lost in preparing the minds of the Indians for the Evacuation of the Posts, and impressing on them a due sense of the attention which has been paid to their Interests in forming the late Treaty with the United States, and I have no reason to think they conceived the least ground of umbrage with us on that account. In truth I see nothing in this Treaty that they can com- plain of; but on the contrary much cause of gratitude for the King's friendly interference in relieving them from the servitude they had submitted to in their own Treaty [A] with Mr. Wayne, and I wrote to
126
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Colonel MoKee on that head; as yet I have received no answer, but I understand by vague rumors that those Indians are greatly dis- pleased with the United States.
[B] The Western Indians have expressed much satisfaction at the Tract of Land which has been purchased for them at Chenail Ecart6, to which they were to remove this Spring to the number as I under- stand of Two or Three Thousand.
These Indians being so well satisfied, I am sorry to find an appear- ance of some discontent among those of the Five Nations; but as it is only on account of the mode, or Formalities by which it is proposed they should hold the Lands given them by General Haldimand, I doubt not but it will soon be removed.
[C] Inclosed is a copy of my Letter to Major General Simcoe on this Subject.
I am with great respect and esteem My Lord
Your Grace's
Most obedient
humble Servant
DOKCHESTEE.
His Grace The Duke of Portland.
Endorsed: Qaebec, 18th June 1796. Lord Dorchester. R. 26th July. Ansd. 3d Augt. No. 9. (Three Inclosures.)
[ Q 75-2, p 469 ]
LOED DORCHESTER TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND. [ No. 100. ]
Quebec, 19th June 1796.
My Lord,
I have this day received Your Grace's Dispatch No. 25, delivered to me by Lieut General Prescott.
My former letters will have informed you that every thing relat- ing to the Treaty has been satisfactorily arranged with the United States and all Measures taken for the Evacuation of the Posts; I have only to add that every Information in my Power shall be com- municated to Lieut General Prescott, which may be necessary to enable him to carry on the King's Service in the important Sta- tion to which he is appointed.
LORD DORCHESTER TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND. 127
After this, if I see nothing further to detain me here, I shall avail myself of His Majesty's gracious Permission to return to Eng- land in the Frigate which has brought Genl. Prescott. I am with great Kespeot
and Esteem
My Lord
Your Grace's
most obedient
humble Servant
Dorchester.
His Grace the Duke of Portland^ &c. &g. &c.
Endorsed: Quebec, 19th June 1796. Lord Dorchester. B. 26th July. Ansd, 3d Augt. No. 100.
[ Q 76, p 112 ]
LORD DORCHESTER TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
Duplicate
No. 101. Quebec, 5th July 1796.
My Lord,
Major General Simcoe having given it as his opinion [A] that by the Plan transmitted to him in my Letter of the 25th January last, the Island of Bois blanc appears to be within the Territory of the United States, and requested Instructions from me in case the oflBcer commanding the Forces of the United States should offer to take possession thereof; I enclose a copy of the order [B] given by me on this subject, and of the Letter [C] which accompanied it. This will likewise apply to Cariboux Island which he considers as in the same predicament and concerning which a similar order [D] has been given. I am with great Respect & Esteem My Lord
Your Grace's
Most obedient
humble Servant Dorchester.
His Grace the Duke of Portland, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: Quebec, 5th July 1796. Lord Dorchester. E. 18th Augt. Ansd. 8 Sept. No. 101. (Four Inclosures.)
[ Q 76, p 119 ]
128
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
ADJ. GEN. GEORGE BECKWITH TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND, RESPECTING
ISLE ST. JOSEPH.
G. O.
Head Quarters, Quebec, 5th July 1796. The Party of a Sergeant, Corporal and Twelve men from the Detachment of the Queens Kangers ordered to take Post upon the Caribou or St. Joseph's Island, shall on no account be withdrawn from thence, without the special authority of the Commander in Chief.
Geo. Beckwith,
Adjt. Genl.
Endorsed: D.
In Lord Dorchester's No. 101. To the Dake of Portland,
[ Q 76, p 124 ]
state of troops in the province of upper CANADA.
Head Quarters, Niagara, 1st August 1798.
Eoyal Artillery.
|
9 |
Commission |
Staff |
Serjeants |
Drummers |
Rank & File |
||||||
|
Captains |
Captain Lieuts |
let Lieuts | |
2d Lieuts |
Adjutants |
Surgeons |
Doing duty |
In charge of stores |
7 20 |
|||
|
Michilimackinac |
1 1 |
1 |
7 20 |
||||||||
|
Post opposite Isle aux Bois Blanc |
1 |
||||||||||
N. B. No returns having been received from the Garrisons of Mich- ilimackinac and Kingston since the first of June last the above state of the Royal Artillery at these posts are taken from the Returns of that date.
David Shank, Maj. Comdg.
Endorsed:
Ist August 1796. State & Distribution of the Troops in Upper Canada. In Mr. Pres. Russell's No 2 of the 20th August 1798.
[Q 283, p 4]
PETER RUSSELL TO GENERAL PRESCOTT. 129 PETER RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
Upper Canada, Niagara, 6th August 1796.
My Lord Duke,
All the posts we held on the American side of the Line in the vicinity of this Province, are given up to the United States agree- able to the Treaty, excepting that of Niagara, which remains occu- pied by a small Detachment from the 5th Eegiment, until the garrison they have ordered thither may arrive from Oswego. And I understand that they have not yet taken possession of Michili- mackinac from the want of Provisions. I have directed the officer commanding His Majesty's Troops in this Province to make me a return of the effective number that may remain after the departure of the 5th and 24th Eegiments and of their distribution which I shall have the Honor of transmitting to Your Grace as soon as I receive it.
I have the Honor to be with the greatest Eespect My Lord
Your Grace's most obedient
& most humble servant
Peter Eussell, Administrator of the Government of Upper Canada.
His Grace the Duke of Portland,
One of His Majesty's principal Secretaries of State, Whitehall.
Endorsed: Upper Canada, 6th Angt. 1798. Mr. Pres. Russell. R. 14th Octr. Ansd. 13th Deer. (Three Inclosures.)
[ Q 282-2, p 559 ]
PETER RUSSELL TO GENERAL PRESCOTT.
[ No. 4. ]
Upper Canada, Niagara, 29th August 1796.
Sir,
I beg leave to avail myself of Major Doyle's removal to Lower Canada, to endeavour to impress upon your Excellency's mind the melancholy consequences that may possibly follow to this Province from the present very reduced state of its Defensive; Because that Gentleman's long 17
130
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
residence among the Indians of the Upper Country enables him to explain to Your Excellency the effect which the sudden withdraw- ing so large a Body of Kegular Troops from thence is likely to have upon their bisposition towards us.
Major Doyle informs me that the Indians are so discontented that they could not restrain their menaces, even while he was among them with two companies; But when they see the Post of Michili- mackinao occupied by the Americans in much greater force than we ever had there — and only a very young oflScer with twelve men in the post opposite, they will be naturally inclined to draw Compar- isons unfavourable to the power of the British Nation. These may lead to contempt, contempt to insult (for it is well known that Savages are ever influenced by appearances) and should insult once begin, no man can say when it may end. In Short Major Doyle thinks that Ensign Brown and his small party are in very serious danger, from the present temper of the neighboring Indians.
I have the honor to be &c.
Peter Eussell.
His Excellency General Prescott, &c. &c. &c. [ Q 282-2, p 580 ]
LT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE TO EEV. EDMUND BURKE.
Copy of a Letter from His Excellency Major General Simcoe Lieu- tenant Governor of Upper Canada to the Kevd Edmund Burke, Vicar Genl. of the Diocese of Quebec.
Quebec, Sept. 5th 1796.
Sir,
In answer to Your application I must readily beg to transmit to you the following extract of my communication to Lord Dorchester of the 1st of August 1794. f
"It may be worthy of Your Lordship's consideration whether some " trusty Loyal Clergyman might not be of use in the Settlement of
the Kiver au raisin to counteract any improper opinions and trans- " actions if such a Person may be found in Lower Canada."
In consequence Lord Dorchester was pleased to send you to the River Raisin and during the time you resided there I have every reason to be perfectly satisfied with the representations made to me
HENRY RAMSEY TO MAJOR HENRY BIRD.
181
of your Loyalty to His Majesty and of the zeal you manifested for his Interests ; and I shall be extremely happy if this Testimony of my approbation can render you any service. I am with great truth
and regard Sir
Your most obedt huml. Servt
J. G. SiMCOB.
Endorsed: Nova Scotia, 19th Deer. 1803. Mr. Burke.
[ Q 93, p 206 ]
HENKY RAMSEY TO BREVET MAJOR HENRY BIRD.
[ No. 4. ]
Fort Malden, Mouth of the River Detroit, 27th Sept. 1796.
Sir,
I had the misfortune to lose my dear wife on the 14th May last leaving me with three small children one boy and three girls.
The land you was pleased to leave in possession of Mrs. Hazel and my deceased wife Is taken possession of by Government and a garrison is erecting thereon. I understand that Mr. Hazel has disposed of the Southernmost House for some consideration towards payment, but for fear that I might injure you in getting the value of your lands from Government I have put the uppermost house in posses- sion of Dr. Harphy who has undertook to take care of it, the instruction which you left to the two sisters I never saw until about a month before the death of my dear companion who had entirely forgot the signing of the Deed and after I was married and wanted to live in the upper house Mr. Hazzel asked me for fifty Bushels of wheat per year to live in it which I would not give and consequently left it.
I have the pleasure to inform you that my children are all very well as I sincerely hope you and yours are. Please make my love to Mrs. Bird and the children and I am Sir, with Great respect your most obed't hble servant
Henry Ramsey.
Addressed. Brevet Major Bird,
5th Regt. Colchester Barracks, Essex.
Double only.
Endorsed:
Copy to President Russell, 15th Novemr. 1805.
[ Q 303, p 188 ]
132
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
PETER RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
[ No. 3. ]
Upper Canada, 28th September 1796.
My Lord Duke,
I have the honor to transmit herewith for Your Grace's Informa- tion the copy of a Letter I wrote to General Prescott on the 29th of August, and to mention that my apprehensions respecting Ensign Brown's safety have been since removed by His Excellency's having sent to the Post of St. Joseph a captain & forty men belonging to the Canadian Volunteers. However the regular Force in Upper Canada is still in my humble opinion very inadequate to the service as the numbers reported to me on the 1st Instant (even with this addition) amount only to 461 Rank & file, and these I understand have been since considerably diminished by desertion.
Several applications having been lately made to the Attorney Gen- eral by Captain Brandt in behalf of the Six Nations for Deeds to sundry Persons, subjects of the United States (some of them officers in their Army), to whom that Chief has sold considerable Tracts of the Land given to those Nations on the Grand Kiver by Sir Fred- erick Haldimand; and being altogether ignorant of the nature of this gift, or the Promises made to Captain Brandt, or whether this Busi- ness has been explained to His Majesty's Ministers, I judge it prudent to defer the signing any Deed which may convey the land to Aliens, until I have the honor of receiving Your Grace's answer to this Letter. For was I satisfied of the Propriety of exceeding in this Instance the King's Instructions by giving His Majesty's Grant to Individuals for more than 1200 Acres, I have no assurance that the granting the land in question to Captain Brandts Recom- mendations would discharge the engagement by which General Haldi- mand has bound government respecting it to the Six Nations. Nor indeed am I clear that I shall not in doing so act a part more inimical to my Royal Master's Interests and the safety of this Province by thus permitting considerable bodies of Aliens (of whose fidelity I have reason to be doubtful) to obtain a property in the very heart of it, to which they may introduce what number of their countrymen they please by the mouth of that River, should they ever form a design of wresting it from us.
Should Captain Brandt however determine in the meantime to convey away this land in his own way to these people and settle them upon it, I am sorry to say I have no means of preventing him.
PETITION OF ROBERT DICKSON.
133
The inclosed copy of a letter I have just received from the Attor- ney General, in answer to an application I made to him for informa- tion on this subject being the only Document I have to transmit to Your Grace respecting it, I humbly beg leave to refer Your Grace to Major General Simcoe for such further light as he may be enabled to throw upon it, and to request that I may be honored with Your Grace's Instructions for my conduct in this very delicate Business.
I have the honor to be with
the greatest Eespect My Lord Duke
Your Grace's Most obedient
& most Humble Servant
Peter Eussell.
His Grace the Duke of Portland, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: Upper Canada 28th Sept. 1798. ' Mr. Pres'd Russell R. 4th Jany. No. 3. Ansd. 10th March. (Two Inclosnres.)
[ Q 283, p 12 ]
PETITION OF ROBT. DICKSON OF MICHILIMAKINAC.
Council Chamber, Newark, 8th Octr. 1796.
Present,
Honble Peter Russell Esqr Administering the Government Honble. ^neas Shaw ]
Honble. John McGill I^Esqrs Members of the Council. Honble David W. Smith J
Robert Dickson of Michilimakinac, Merchant.
Stating that he has been 15 years settled in the Province, and praying for such quantity of Land as may be deemed meet.
Ordered, 600 acres on Petitioner becoming a resident in the Province.
[ Q 285, p 253 ]
134
COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS.
GEN. ROBT. PEESOOTT TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND. [ No. 18. ]
Quebec 29th October 1796.
My Lord,
I inclose a Eequisition for sundry goods intended to be employed in purchasing from the Indians Lands to form new Establishments in consequence of the former Posts being given up to the Americans.
This purchase will comprehend a Tract of Land which has long since been promised to Captain Brant, and Cariboux Island on which a Post is now established, and where it is proposed that in future the Indian Traders shall hold their annual rendezvous and make their deposits as they have hitherto been accustomed to do at Michilimackinac.
I have the honor to be
My Lord » Your Grace's
most obedient and
most humble Servant
KoBT. Prescott.
His Grace The Duke of Portland.
Endorsed: Qaebec, 29th Octr. 1796. Lt. Genl. Prescott.
R. 4th June. No. 18. Ansd. 20th. Copy tranemt to Treasury Jan. 7 1797. (One Inclosure.)
[ Q 78, p 55. ]
SOME OBSERVATIONS CONCERNING THE QUARTERS FOR TROOPS IN UPPER
AND LOWER CANADA.
In Upper Canada the session of the Posts this year to the states of America has reduced the accommodations for our Troops within very narrow limits: In the Posts there can be lodged only as fol- lows vizt. ' Ports Erie, Chippewa and the Landings on the Niagara Kiver about 80 men; at Kingston & Carleton Island (the latter only Sergeants' guard) 200 men; if to these are added the Quarters at the new positions taken this year, in lieu of those given up we shall see the whole accommodation provided in Upper Canada— vizt: Enirance of the Detroit River 100 men; Navy Hall 50 men, and a temporary hut at the Island of St. Joseph on Lake Huron 30 men making in the whole 460.
Fort Erie,
Chippewa
Landing
Kingston &
Carleton
Island
Detroit River Navy HaU St Joseph
LETTER IN REGARD TO DETROIT. 135
The foregoing statement and Kemarks are submitted with great deference by
GoTHEE Mann, Lt. Col. Comm'g. El. Engrs.
Quebec, 3d November 1796.
To His Excellency Kobert Prescott,
Commander in Chief &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed:
Copy sent to the Ordnance Jany 6th 1797 In Gen. Prescotts No. 21, to the Duke of Portland.
[ Q 78, p 68. ]
LETTER IN REGAED TO DETROIT.
Extract of a letter from Montreal
Dated 13th Novr. 1796. In the meantime it may not be amiss for you to know that it is my opinion (which at the same time you will see is formed on such a very limited experience in point of time) that I consider the cession of the Posts to the Americans as likely to produce consid- erable Advantages to Great Britain by an extension of her com- merce and an increase of the trade of both Provinces. General Waine, the Commander in Chief, whom I left at Detroit with a garrison of about five hundred men, seemed desirous by his con- duct to conciliate the good dispositions of every descriptions of per- sons, & expressed himself well pleased at the handsome conduct of the British on evacuating the posts, and particularly of Col. England for the Liberal manner in which he had performed his duty on that occasion. There is however an event which may in its conse- quences lead to some disagreement between the two Governments, & in the mean time excite between the Troops in the vicinity ill humour, & that is, the British occupying an Island in the mouth of the Detroit river on which they are actually erecting blockhouses; as this spot was never occupied before as a military post — it would be well to ascertain whether it is actually within the British line according to treaty. In my mind it is clearly within the American line as the Fort & Town of Detroit; provided the words of the Treaty mean the middle of the navigable waters.
Endorsed:
Communicated by Mr. Brickwood.
[ Q. 283, p 312 ]
136
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
JOHN EICHARDSON TO H. W. RYLAND, ESQ
Sir,
Montreal, 6th February 17^7.
With respect to the other Enquiry of His Excellency, there are two Channels of Conveyance from Hence to the Mississippi — one by the Grand River in Canoes, to Michilimakinac or St. Joseph's Island. The other by the Saint Lawrence and Lakes in Boats and Vessels to same places. Prom thence goods are conveyed in canoes to the Mississippi, which carry each about 2-3 of what Canoes by the Grand River contain. From Miohilimackinao to the Mississippi nearly opposite to some of the Spanish Posts on that River. The former Route enters it much higher. There are no English Settlers amongst the Indians except a few Traders who are fully provided with arms &c. The Settlers on the Mississippi are of two descriptions, both of which are not to be trusted for any opposition to French Mach- inations, viz — Canadians or descendants thereof, and Americans rather of the Renegado kind. I see a great difficulty about distributing Presents to Indians on the Mississippi, without an understanding with the American Government, else it might excite their Jealousy as it is within their Territory. The surest mode of avoiding that, would be to invite the Chiefs and influential men amongst the dif- ferent Tribes to come to St. Joseph's Island to receive Presents, bCit that could not take place till 1798. If to be sent at Govern- ment's expence to the Mississippi and there distributed (about which there would be a great difficulty in avoiding embezzlement, or per- haps Jealousy,) the proper season is to leave Michilimackinac in May, if the Agents are to return there same season ; or with the Traders in July, if they are intended to winter in the Country.
The Expence of conveyance from Michilimackinac is great, as each Canoe from thence requires six good Hands with Provisions &c.
If a more particular detail is wished for, I shall be happy to have the honor of communicating to His Excellency through you any- thing I know upon the subject; but in the meantime I am obliged to conclude, as the Post is upon the point of departure. I am with much esteem & regard Sir
Y. M. H. S.
H. W. Ryland Esqr.
John Richardson.
Endorsed: A— 2.
Marked (B) in the Letter to Mr. Liston. In General Prescott's Nj. 36. To the Dake of Portland.
[ Q 78, p 245 ]
JAMES McGILL TO H. W. RYLAND.
137
JAMES MCGILL TO H. W. EYLAND, ESQ.
/
Montreal, 7th February 1797.
Sir,
On the 30th Ultimo I had the Honor of acknowledging receipt of Your Letter of the 26th. desiring by request of General Prescott that I would give my opinion "Where it would be most convenient " for the Commissioners on the part of His Majesty to meet those " from the United States and the most convenient Route for carry- *' ing the Provision and Baggage requisite for that Service" (a survey to be made of certain parts of the River Mississippi) "from " this Province to the Falls of St. Anthony with any other information " which I or the gentlemen concerned in the North West Trade may Judge to be of importance on the above business" and I shall now endeavour to fulfill His Excellency's request.
I conceive that the fittest Place for the Commissioners to meet will be Michilimackinac and the properest conveyance for the Pro- visions and Baggage as well as themselves to be the Route of the Lakes.
At Michlimakinac they must be provided with one or more large Canoes and six stout Canoe men for each Canoe, as the number of Persons to be employed and quantity of Baggage necessary may require; and I should conceive that one Canoe for each Commis- sioner may be sufficient; a Canoe can carry conveniently eight Per- sons and two Tons or two and a half Tons weight throughout the proposed voyage but not more. Provisions for the Canoe men can be readily had at Michilimackinac and generally consist of Indian Corn boiled, Flour, Pork and Grease, but the Commissioners ought to be provided with other stores from Montreal where they can be put up in proper Packages for Canoes.
The fittest season to leave Michilimackinac would be as soon as the navigation is open, that is early in May, in order to attempt performing the service in one season, but as this would render it absolutely necessary for the Commissioners to pass the winter at that Post, it may be more proper to fix on the Summer, any time previous to the 15th September at the latest; and if they could leave it with the Traders who set out in July for the Falls of St. Anthony, or rather River St. Peters which is adjacent, they would have the benefit of their local knowledge and acquaintance with the Indians who are on their Route or in the Country proposed to be surveyed. 18
138
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
In leaving Michilimackinac in July or even up to the 15th Sep- tember there is sufficient time to get to the St. Anthony & higher up the Mississippi, which I conceive will be necessary as shall here- after be shewn: The voyage from Michilimakinac to the Falls may readily be performed in six weeks, but from the Falls to that part of the Mississippi from whence I conceive a Line is to be drawn to Wood Lake I am of opinion that Four Weeks more will be fully employed, for the Kiver then becomes Kapid and Shallow; and the distance is estimated to be 300 Leagues; now if the Line is to be drawn by actual survey, as by only ascertaining the Latitude and Longitude at different Points from the sources of the Mississippi to Wood Lake I doubt much whether in one season it could be effected, supposing the Commissioners to leave Michilimakinac in May, still less could they perform the service if the survey begins at or below the Falls. To me therefore it appears that the Com- missioners must of necessity pass a Winter on the Mississippi and the best place in my opinion will be as near as conveniently can be done to that part from which they are to run the Line to Wood Lake.
There must be two good Interpreters, one for the Scioux Language and another for the Chipawa, both of them may be procured at Michilimackinac.
Suitable Presents of Indian Goods must be sent with the Com- missioners and also goods to procure Provisions in the Fall and for the winter and to bring the party back which probably may require the addition of a third Canoe. The value of the Presents and Goods may be estimated at Five to Six hundred Pounds Currency for the Commissioners on the part of His Majesty. And as the Indians who inhabit the higher parts of the Mississippi are very hostile to one another frequently out in War Parties and do not then discriminate Friend from Foe; besides it being n|tural to sup- pose that they will see with Jealousy other People than their usual Traders among them and on a very different business, it may be necessary to send them Belts to acquaint them with the Business and to desire that they refrain from War whilst it is going on.
I shall now take a view of the Mississippi from the Falls of St. Anthony to its source as generally known to the Traders, the dis- tance is estimated at 300 Leagues, which I am inclined to consider exaggerated, probably it may be 200 Leagues by Water. After leav- ing the Falls & proceeding upwards the first River you meet with, which comes from the west and has the appearance of being a chief
/
JAMES McGILL. TO H. W. RYLAND. 139
Branch of the Mississippi is called Crowwing Kiver; in the Chip- pewa Tongue Cocakiwing Scipi and is computed to be 100 Leagues from the Falls. I was at this River in winter 1771-2, but I do not conceive the distance to be so great. The next remarkable place is on the east side & the further Distance of 100 Leagues by similar computation and is called Sandy Eiver which is the Koute coming from the Southwest end, or Fond du Lac Superior to enter the Mississippi; proceeding upwards to the extent of 100 Leagues more by vulgar estimation many Rivulets are met with on both sides until you arrive at Lac de Sang Lue or Leech Lake which has always been considered the greatest source of the Mississippi; they say it is 10 Leagues long and from 3 to 4 Broad.
Now the fittest place in my Judgment for passing the Winter is at the Crowwing River or some other place nearer to the Falls of St. Anthony, because there is plenty of large game to be met with to supply the Party with Provisions during the Fall and through the Winter, an object of great moment, for were it necessary to carry Provisions for 12 or 15 months which may be the time neces- sary to compleat the Survey, three canoes would not be suflScient.
Along with the Party I would recommend a few Hunters to be got from among the Ottawas of Michilimackinac to accompany and reside with them, not only as a proper measure to guard against scarcity but as of use also to insure the good will of the Indians of the Country.
But as a previous and indispensable step I would advise that Belts be sent to the two great and Rival Nations the Scioux and Chip- pewas inviting them to Michilimackinac or St. Joseph's Island in the Spring of 1798 or in the Spring of the year when the Commis- sioners are to proceed, there to inform them of the intended Sur- vey and of the Peace which now subsists between Us and the United States.
I have the honor to be Sir
erman Witsins Eyland, Esqr.
dorsed: A.
1 Marked A in the Letter to Mr. Liston. In Genl. Prescott's No. 36 to the Duke of Portland.
[ Q 78, p 238 ]
Y. M. O. & V. H. S.
James MoGill.
140
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
PETITION OF COL. PATRICK SINCLAIR.
To His Grace the Duke of Portland, one of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, &o. &c. &o.
The Petition of Colonel Patrick Sinclair late Lieut. Governor of Michilimackinao
Humbly Sheweth,
That Your Petitioner by perroission dated 7th April 1775, of which he incloses a copy,* was appointed Lieut Governor, and Superin- tendant of the Post called Michilimackinac.
That your petitioner was at great pains in fortifying and defending the said post, which was considered to be of peculiar importance for the protection of the Fur Trade of Canada.
That His Majesty having found it expedient to give up the said Post to the United States of America your petitioner flatters him- self that such a transfer will not be .productive of any loss, or injury to him. .
Your petitioner therefore humbly prays, that the Salary of his oflSce as Lieut Govenror & Superintendant of Missilimakinao be transferred to the establishment of this Country. And your peti- tioner as in duty bound shall ever pray.
Patt Sinclair.
No 14 Panton Square 17th April 1797.
Endorsed:
The petition of Col. Patrick Sinclair of Missilimackinac. R. 18 April 1797. Aned. 25th. Note— I dont know the amount of his Salary, bat the continuance of it does not seem an unreasonable expectation, the precedent however of similar cases (of wch several must exist) shd be the rule for this.
[ Q 57-2, p 462 ]
GEN. ROBT. PRESCOTT TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
[ No. 42. ]
Quebec, 13 May 1797.
My Lord,
I have had the honor to receive His Majesty's Commission transmitted with Your Grace's Dispatches No. 7, the original and duplicate of which are both ccme to my hands.
Previous to the Receipt of Your Grace's Dispatch I had deter- mined to leave the Queen's Rangers in the Upper Province; the
* Published in Vol. 24, page 3.
A. S. DE PEYSTER TO MAJOR HENRY BIRD. 141
whole of that Corps, except two subalterns & forty or fifty men, are stationed at York. Eight companies of the 2d Battn R. 0. Vol- unteers are on their way, and will occupy the coasts of Kingston, Niagara, (now Fort George) Amherstburg, opposite to Detroit and the Island of St Joseph or Oarriboux, not far from Michilimackinac.
I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Grace's Most obedient and most humble Servant.
RoBT. Prescott.
His Grace the Duke of Portland
&c. &c. &c. i
Endorsed: Quebec 13th May 1797. Lt. Genl. Prescott R. 7thAugt. No. 42. Ansd. Uth Sept. (four Inclosures.)
[ Q 79-1, p 2 ]
A. S. DE PEYSTER TO MAJ. HENRY BIRD.
My Dear Sir. Dumfries, 25 July 1797.
I should have given an immediate answer to your letter of the 6th Inst and informed You that I waited the opportunity of look- ing over a great trunk of papers in hopes of finding the Indian Speech or Council when the Tract of Land near the Post of Detroit called Fredericks burgh was given to you Caldwell and McKee; which grant I well remember was approved of by Genl. Haldimand, in his letter to me, but as I can neither find the minutes of the Council, or the General Letter, they must have been left with the Papers at Detroit. Mr. Thomas Williams, who is since dead must have left the grant in this oflSce.
As you had begun to settle the land and planted good orchards upon it, which must be known to every one in that neighborhood you doubtless will be allowed something equivalent in case it is taken for government.* it is, that the Commissioners for Audit- ing the Public Accounts will not admit that I could have employed an Interpreter to speak Indian at Michilimackinac. and I am I fear like to lose the Pay of Josept Ainse during my command there, having lost his receipt. They have also required of me to refund for all the blunders made by Edgar and Macomb in their vast
* Here in the original are the following words scricken oat : I my dear Sir have had my troubles from the loss of Papers; you would scarce believe it, but true
142
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
accounts notwithstaDding they were examined at Quebec and paid by order of the Commr. in Chief. You must know whether har- rassed as I was, it could be in my power to go minutely into all the calculations of the various accounts. I have memorialed the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, after having first paid the Fees of Office amounting to near three hundred pounds, and now wait the event. There stands upwards of £1000 against me.
Mrs. De Peyster who was as happy as myself to hear that you are in the Land of the Living though not in the Land of Cakes — ■ unites in Compts to you and Mrs. Bird if also living. Sincerely wishing you all health and happiness. I am my dear Sir
with the greatest friendship &c. &o. &c.
Your humble Servant.
A. S. De Peyster. When you write to Dr. Haffey remember us to him and all friends at Detroit and Fredericksburg. I write this with a vile thorn in my finger — being now that the Volunteer review is over much occu- pied in Farming.
Addressed Henry Bird, Esq.,
Gaytrey near Usk Monmouthshire.
Endorsed: ' Copy to President Rnssell. 15th Novr. 1805.
[ Q 303, p 192 ]
PETITION OF THOMAS SMITH UNDER CONSIDERATION OF THE LAND BOARD.
Council Chamber at Newark, 12th Augt. 1797.
Present,
The Honble John Elmsley Chief Justice " Honble James Baby " Honble Alexr Grant " Honble ^neas Shaw " Honble John McGill " Honble David W. Smith
Kead the petition of Thomas Smith Member for Kent in the Western District.
Stating that previous to Burgoyne's Campaign he drew plans of the Enemy's Fortifications on the Mohawk Kiver for the purposes of
PETITION OF THOMAS SMITH.
143
Government, -which Major Matthews when commandant of Detroit recorded in his office as a memorial of the important service rendered thereby, and a grateful testimony of petitioner's unrewarded services — that from July 1776 to April 1777 he served as a Captain in the Indian Department, but the fluctuation of Rank in the Department (at that time without any regard to persons or merit) urged Peti- tioner (perhaps to hastily) to throw up his pay and resign. That petitioner from that period served in the British Militia at Detroit, second in command under Colonel McGregor until the militia was new organized after the Peace of 1783, and was employed upon all occasions where active service was required — that in the hard winter of 1780, when no person could be found to go express from Detroit to Niagara in order to carry intelligence respecting the movements of the Enemy, petitioner immediately offered his services and per- formed that fatiguing journey upon Snow Shoes. That in the year 1788, when His Excellency Lord Dorchester sent Colonel Conelly to Detroit with Instructions to encourage Emigration into the Province as well as for other purposes; Petitioner was chosen to go on an Embassy to Kentucky where he discharged the trust reposed in him to the satisfaction of Government. — that Petitioner served as Secretary to the Land Board at Detroit for two years and upwards; that he also served as a clerk to His Majesty's Courts for three years. — the only station or employment that he ever held under the Crown pro- ductive of Emolument. That after the peace of 1783 a great num- ber of disbanded Eangers, and others had waited at Detroit for upwards of five years for the Lands promised them at their enlist- ment, and in order to quiet as well as to uphold the Faith of Gov- ernment with those people, Petitioner was employed by the Com- mandants of the Post about two years and a quarter in locating of them, and received such encouragement as to induce him to pay X121 10s Currency to chain and ax men employed on that service- that it is a well known fact, that Petitioner's property to the value of .£1560 was thrown over board on Lake Erie in stress of weather in order to save artillery stores on Board for Detroit — that the Laws of Merchants as well as the rule of right, ought in petitioners humble opinion to induce government to pay one half of the loss, as the losing of the one, was the saving of the other — that Petitioner like- wise lost four new Batteaux with their equipments, taken from Carleton Island in order to carry the German Troops to La Chine, then retreating from Fort Stanwix, which Batteaux cost Petitioner <£80 currency — that Petitioner has the honor to command one of the
144
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
flaDk companies of Militia in the Western District, and when Gen- eral Wayne and his army came against the Indians he was ordered into the Indian Country upon service, and served from 16th August 1794 to the 14th December following — that he is the only Militia OflScer that received no pay, and the only one to whose share fatigue and hardships fell upon that campaign that Petitioner upon that service had his Baggage taken by Wayne's army to the value of at least £50 Currency — ^that from the 10th of November 1794 to the 10th of November 1795, Petitioner by special commission from His Excellency General Simcoe did the duty of a Preventive officer for which he was promised one dollar per day, and that he expended in carrying on that service between Detroit and the Miamis for men and provisions upwards of <£50 Currency that Petitioner has done duty by intervals for eight years in the Indn Department at Detroit, being encouraged from time to time that he should have a company in one of the Battalions to be raised in the Province under this suspenoe he was kept from year to year and absolutely prevented from entering into any business on that account — that petitioner has not only sacrificed the best part of his life but also his little fortune in the service of the Crown, that his zeal has carried him beyond every consideration of Interest, even to abandon his lands on the American side of the treaty line property of greater value than any he may ever reasonably expect to acquire during his life in this Province, and which he might enjoy and leave to his posterity, could he reconcile himself to new allegience — that Petitioner has a wife the daughter of a Loyalist, and four children, wherefore he humbly presumes that after His Honor has taken into his consideration this narrative and sympathised on the feelings of a man disappointed in all his expectations and to whom the honor and faith of Government stands pledged, that His Honor in His Wisdom and in that of His Council, will be pleased to grant to Petitioner and family each 1200 acres of the Waste Lands, which however inadequate a remuneration for the losses, expendi- tures, long and hard services of Petitioner, he is induced neverthe- less to accept, without ceasing to hope that His Honor will have a further consideration for him, who as in duty bound will ever pray, &c.
Answer.
All the Services stated in the Petition which happened previous to the formation of this government are not proper objects for the consideration of this Board. If the Petitioner will furnish to the
HON. D. W. SMITH TO PETER RUSSELL.
145
Board an account of his surveying charges properly authenticated they shall be transmitted for the consideration of His Majesty's ministers; the claim for pay as Preventive oflBoer under Lieut Gov- ernor Simcoe's promises appears to the Board to be well founded.
Ordered in consequence that a warrant issue for the payment. The Petitioners claim for pay as a Militia Captain must be authen- ticated under the signature of the Lieut of the County, and the officers under whose command he served, and confirmed by the approbation of the officer commanding His Majesty's Troops in the District before the Board can take cognizance of it.
The Board do not Judge it expedient to grant lands in compen- sation of services, but it orders that six hundred acres be granted to the Petitioner's wife (including former grants) as the wife of a member of Parliament.
[ Q 285, p 192 ]
HON. D. W. SMITH TO PETER RUSSELL, ESQ.
To His Honor Peter Russell, Esquire, President administering the
Government of the Province of Upper Canada, &c. &o. &c. May it please Your Honor.
In obedience to Your Honor's commands to me last evening, I have lost no time in making such search of the papers in my office, as the time could admit; and referring Your Honor to my reports of the 27th June & loth August last, I now enclose several Extracts as pr. Schedule, which may tend to throw some Jight thereon, together with a copy of a Plan received from the Surveyor General's office at Quebec upon the Division of the Province. All which is submitted
to Your Honor's wisdom.
D. W. Smith.
Copy. C. B. Wyatt, Survr. Genl. 26tli August 1797.
FROM GOVERNOR HAY TO ENSIGN FRY.
[No. L Copy.]
*'SlR,"
"As it is necessary before the gentleman designed by the Com- *' mander in Chief, to settle on the Lands near the mouth of the 19
146
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
" River, given hy the Indians to the King for tbat purpose, can make " Improvements, their Lots should be measured off; You will please " to begin at the lower side of Captain Caldwell's fenced field, and
measure his Lot of six acres in front up the Eiver. From thence "measure what Land lies between his Boundary and Captain Bird's ''first House & make a Memorandum of the same. Then begin at " the Lower end of Captain Caldwell's fenced field again, & measure "due south, a lot of six acres in front for Mr. McKee, where he " began his Improvements; then another of six acres in front for " Mr. Elliott; Then another lot of 4 acres in front for Captain " Joncaire; These 2 Lots of 4 acres to be reserved for Sir John " Johnson & myself his to be the first.
" Then as many Lots of 4 acres in front as there is Land until " you come upon Lake Erie — in the same South course. No 2 being " the first after the 2 Lots reserved as above and for Mr. Thomas " McKee.
" No 3. for Mr. S. Girty.
" No 4. for Mr. A. St. Martin.
"No 5. for Mr. D. Baby.
" No 6. for Captain Lamothe.
" No 7. for L Chene.
" No 8. for Captain Chabert.
" No 9. for Captain Reaume.
" The Remainder, if any, will be disposed of, to other oflBcers of " the Indian Department.
D. W. Smith.
Copy. C. B. Wyatt, Survr. Genl. [ Q 304, p 76 ]
[No. 2. J Copy.
" Know all men by these Presents that I, Phillip R. Fry, Sworn " Deputy Surveyor for the Upper District of the Province of Quebec, " have laid out the Lands granted by the Indians to the Loyalists "at the mouth of the*" River Detroit, by Lieut Governor Hay's " directions in the following manner" vizt.
" I began 3 acres, below a small creek opposite the Island Bois " Blanc, on the East side of the said River, and measured off six " acres in front for Captain William Caldwell.
" Then six for Alexander McKee.
" Six for Captain M. Elliott.
DOCKET BOOK FOR ORDERS OF COUNCIL.
147
" The followiDg Lots beginning next Captain Elliotts No. 1. 4 " acres in front for Jonoaire Chabere. No. 2 Thomas McKee.
" These two vacant Lots not numbered.
"No 3. Simon Girty.
"No 4. Anthony St. Martin.
"No 5. Duperon Baby.
" No 6. Captain William Lamothe.
"No 7. Chevalier Chabert.
" No 8. Isidore Chene.
" No 9. Captain Chas Eeaume.
" On a due south course towards Lake Erie; the division Lines " of all the said Lands, run due East, till they bound upon the "Indian Lands, in the rear of the said grant."
"Given under my hand at Detroit the 25th March 1785."
Phil. E. Fey,
Depy Surveyor.
Copy. D. W. Smith, A. S. G.
"In presence of the subscribing witnesses."
"John Martin, Junr. " Henry Hay.
A copy. C. B. Wyatt, Survr. Genl. [ No. 3. ]
extract from deed of cession, 15TH MAY 1786.
" Beginning at the line granted on the 7th day of June 1784, by the "Ottawas and Hurons, to Indian Officers."
A Copy. D. W. Smith, C. B. Wyatt, Survr. General. A. S. G.
[ Q 304, p 78 1
[ No. 4. ]
Extract.
" Captain Caldwell, for a Marsh situated at the entrance of the " Eiver Detroit, on the north side of Lake Erie, for his sons Wil- " liam and James. "
29th December 1788. Ordered that the Surveyor General Eeport a Survey of the Marsh prayed for accordingly.
D. W. Smith,
C. B. Wyatt, Survr. Genl. A. S. G.
148
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
[ No. 5. ] Extract.
Land Office, District of Hesse, Friday, 14th August 1789.
Present.
" Patrick Murray Esq. Major Commanding. " William Dummer Powell Esqr. " Alexander McKee Esquire.
' William Eobertson 'Alexander Grant
I Esquires.
" The Board received, and having under consideration the Letter " from Mr. Secretary Motz, on the 15th June, respecting the imme- " diate settlement of George Town, have made the necessary enquiries, " into the claim of Indians, or others, being obstacles to the imme- " diate execution of the Plan, learn from Alexander McKee Esquire, " Deputy Superintendent of Indians, that the Land has never yet " been bought from the Indians for the use of the Crown, and, that " had no Instructions from Sir John Johnson the Superintendant " General, on that head, but that the Indians have actually divested " themselves of that Land by Deed, bearing date 7th June 1784 " (No 10) in favor of certain officers and others who served with " them during the War. "
" The Board having seen the Deed, proceeded to enquire upon " what authority it was received, and if the Land is improved by " the parties; find that upon the representation of Captain Caldwell, " subsequent to the Indian grant; His Excellency Sir Frederick " Haldimand then Commander in Chief did by Letter of the 14th
August 1784 to John Hay Esq. then Lieut Governor of Detroit, " enjoin all due encouragement to Captain Caldwell and Elliott to "settle on the Land, now pointed out for George Town; That in " obedience to this Injunction, Governor Hay did actually by Letter " (No 9) cause the Lines to be run by Mr. Fry, allotting 6 acres " only in front to Captains Bird, McKee, Caldwell and Elliott; That " those Gentlemen having claim, by special promise from the Indians, " did actually occupy forty acres in front, being the space fronting " the whole length of the Island Bois Blanc, on which possession " they were confirmed so lately as in 1788 by Major Mathews, who, " in person, accompanied by Captain Mc Kee, one of the Board and " Mr. Hughes Surveyor, extended the Line to ten arpents for each " Farm, & planted the Pickets for their Lines, which have since " been run out, in conformity to those Pickets, by Mr. Thomas " Smith sometime acting Deputy Surveyor.
THE BOARD TO LORD DORCHESTER.
149
" As Major Mathews acted under written Instructions from His " Excellency the Eight Honorable Lord Dorchester, whereof copy is " before the Board, they conceive that it would not be agreeable to *' His Lordship, under such circumstances to press obedience to the " Instructions of the 14th of June in relation to the proposed " Establishment of George Town.
" The Board is too sensible of His Lordship's uniform attention "to Humanity and the rights of Individuals to suppose that he " would countenance the dispossession of them who have made " Improvements under such reiterated approbation of persons having " authority, without first causing an Estimate to be made of the " Injury such individuals must sustain by the loss of their Improve- '* ments.
" In this conviction, the Board resolves to forbear any orders to ** the Deputy Surveyor on the subject of the proposed Town, oppo- '* site the Island Bois Blanc, until further Instructed, and direct the *' Clerk to forward a ^copy of this minute, and of the various papers "referred to, to Henry Motz Esquire, to be communicated to His " Excellency The Eight Honorable Lord Dorchester, for His Lord- " ship's further Commands.
C. B. Wyatt, D. W. Smith,
" THE BOARD TO LORD DORCHESTER, 28TH AUGUST, 1789."
" We received Mr. Secretary Motz letter accompanying a plan of " a Town and Township at the Entrance of the Eiver, and com- " municating Your Lordships wishes on that subject; at our first " Meeting we took the same into our consideration, but found so " many diflSculties, which we presume had not occurred to Your " Lordship, that we Judged it necessary to forward to Mr. Motz, " for Your Lordship's Information, the minute of our proceedings "and to wait your Lordship's further Instructions on that head."
C. B. Wyatt, D. W. Smith,
Survr. Genl.
A. S. G.
No. 6.
Survr. Genl.
A. S. G.
150
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
No. 7.
THE BOARD TO LORD DORCHESTER, 2STH AUGUST 1789.
" Presuming on the constant practice of the Crown, to purchase " the right of soil, by contract with the natives, as well as on Your " Lordship's Sentiment, expressed to us, relative to the Lands oppo- " site the Island of Bois Blanc, we think it cannot be Your Lord- " ship's intention that any Settler should be placed by us where " the right of soil is subject to discussion.
0. B. Wyatt. D. W. Smith,
Survr. Genl. A. S. G.
[ Q 304, p 80 ]
Extract No. 8.
" Lord Dorchester to the Land Board 2nd September 1789; received "16th October 1789.
" As several settlements are reported to be made and actually ' occupied by Individuals without authority, under the pretext of ' purchases or Sessions from the Indians, within the Tract directed ' to be purchased from them on behalf of the Crown ; The Board ' are to receive applications for grants from the Claimants or Oocu- ' pants of such settlements, stating the nature, extent and value of ' the Tracts and Improvements prayed for, and the grounds of their ' claims, filing at the same time copies of the writings or papers ' on which they may conceive the same to be founded. To the ' actual bona fide occupants of such improved farms the Board are ' to give Certificates, including the Improvements to the extent of 'their General Instructions."
C. B. Wyatt, D. W. Smith,
Sur. Genl. • A. S. G.
r Q 304, p 85 ]
Extract No. 9.
HENRY MOTZ TO THE BOARD, 21ST JANUARY 1790.
" I am commanded by Lord Dorchester to acknowledge the receipt " of your report of the 17th October.
" Confined to the Information hitherto obtained, His Lordship per- " ceives no ground to suppose that there is any pretence of equit- " able claims within any other Indian Purchases or Cessions, than " that of June 1784, and consequently that you will find scope for " Your Trust to operate in every other part of the District.
C. B. Wyatt, D. W. Smith,
Survr. Genl. A. S. G.
TO MR. PATRICK McNIFF.
151
No. 10. Extract.
"District of Hesse, 2l8t April 1790. " Land Board, Detroit, Province of Quebec.
" Present, Patrick Murray, Major Commanding, "W. D. Powell, ] " Wm. Eobertson, \- Esquires. " Alexander Grant, J
"On Mr. McNiff's Petition; having duly considered the clause of reference, and the suggestion from below, that the whole District (sup- posing it acquired to the Crown) is open to locations, except the grants of June 1784.
C. B. Wyatt, D. W. Smith,
Survr. Genl. A. S. G.
No. 11. Extract.
Land Board, 30th July 1790. " Present, Major Smith, " W. D. Powell,
"Alexr. Grant, V Esquires. , "Wm. Eoberts, j
"For the commencement of Survey to be directed by a painted "Tree, above the north Line of Captain Bird's Lot, which is the " Boundary of the Grant of the 17th June 1784.
C. B. Wyatt, D. W. Smith,
Survr. Genl. A. S. G.
[ Q 304, p 86 ]
No. 12. Extract.
TO MR. PATRICK MC NIFF.
Detroit, 30th July 1790. " Begin at a painted Tree a few hundred yards above the North " Line of Captain Bird's Lot, opposite Bois Blanc; as the North " Boundary Line of the Tract ceded by the Indians to their oflScers "on the 7th June 1784."
C. B. Wyatt, D. W. Smith,
Survr. Genl. A. S. G.
[ Q 304, p 88 ]
152
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
No 13. Upper Canada — Extract from Docket Book of Orders of Council, in the Surveyor General's Office
|
No of page |
Petitioner |
JDescription |
Orders &c. |
|
|
50 |
LioL Alex Mciiee |
Township of Maiden, at the |
Resolved the 8th of January |
|
|
month of Detroit River, |
Granted as |
1793, that Colonel Alexr. Mc- |
||
|
per Resolve 8th January 1793 |
Kee, Captains Elliott & Cald- well be the Patentees of the above mentioned Township; |
|||
|
and the persons who have settled under the |
||||
|
authority of the late Governor Hay and who |
||||
|
have actually made Improvements. It ap- |
||||
|
pears that the Marsh has been granted to |
||||
|
the sons of Captain Caldwell by the Honble |
||||
|
Council of Lower Canada. |
||||
|
Capts Elliott |
To commence at the Straights |
The Indian officers have it at their option |
||
|
and Caldwell |
at the Sonth Boundary of the |
to complete their quota of Land in the said |
||
|
Indian Land. Thence along |
Township. |
|||
|
and following the course of |
The Land laying between Capt. Birds Lot |
|||
|
the Kiver, & Lake, till it |
and the Indian Land is reserved for Gov- |
|||
|
strikes the West Boundary of |
ernment. |
|||
|
Lot No 97— in the two con- |
In all other Respects the Township of |
|||
|
nected Townships; Thence up |
Maiden to be subject to such general regu- |
|||
|
the said West Boundary of lot |
lations, as are, or may be, hereafter framed |
|||
|
No 97 in the 1st or 2nd Conces- |
for the Government of Townships. |
|||
|
sions as heretofore surveyed, |
Especial care to be taken that the Reserve |
|||
|
& said to be 76 acres, from |
be made of the two seventh. |
|||
|
the Lake, and the rear of the |
D. W. Smith |
|||
|
2nd concession ; From thence |
A. 8. G. |
|||
|
East, until it intersects a line |
C. B. Wyatt |
|||
|
produced south from the rear |
Snrvr. Genl. |
|||
|
of the Indian Land &c. |
[Q 304, p 89]
No. 14. Extract.
"DOCKET BOOK FOR ORDERS OF COUNCIL."
"Captain Mathew Elliott, 3000 Acres, in the Township of Maiden, " 11th July 1793."
C. B. Wyatt, D. W. Smith,
Survr. Genl. A. S. G.
EXTRACT FROM DOCKET OF ORDERS OF COUNCIL.
153
No. 15.
" Extract from a Eeport, dated 17th March 1795 on the Extent of purchases made from Indians.
" Western District
" In the Proceedings of the Committee on the matters relative to " the Lands in Hesse, now the Western District, these cessions are " mentioned from the Indians to the Crown, vizt.
"one 7th June 1784.
" Another 15th May 1786
"and a third 19th May 1790.
'* The first being a Tract of 7 miles ceded by the Chippawas & " Hurons, at the mouth of the Detroit to certain oflBcers and soldiers " who served with them during the War (and is now called Maiden)
C. B. Wyatt, D. W. Smith,
r Q 304, p 90 ]
No. 16. Extract.
*' Extract from Docket of Orders of Council."
" Messrs. McKee, Elliott and Caldwell recommended for 1000 acres, " each, at the mouth of the Detroit River." Granted 8th October 1796.
Survr. Genl.
A. S. G.
" A copy
D. W. Smith,
A. S. G. A. Grant, President.
C. B. Wyatt, Survr. Genl.
Copie
[ Q 304, p 91 ]
20
154
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
|
<M |
|||||||||||||
|
Officers Present. |
Staff. |
noeSiing 'j^sb'^ j |
|||||||||||
|
uoeSjnQ [ |
|||||||||||||
|
^Jisoeq^od*^ 1 |
|||||||||||||
|
•TtlTflTTflJC\ 'IllnCJ 1 |
|||||||||||||
|
9:;aBanCpy | |
|||||||||||||
|
saiBjaBqQ | |
|||||||||||||
|
daiB^ ep spiv 1 |
|||||||||||||
|
epeSijgf JO 'Cepj | |
|||||||||||||
|
-[nery "^tpY 'dea I |
|||||||||||||
|
Commissioned. |
sadi8n;g | |
iH |
|||||||||||
|
BureijdB^ 1 |
|||||||||||||
|
9I0C8p([ 1 |
|||||||||||||
|
BjeaojoQ (jq I |
|||||||||||||
|
BjeuopQ 1 |
|||||||||||||
|
]BJ9aef) "Cbpi | |
|||||||||||||
|
XBiener) -i^rj | |
|||||||||||||
|
]BJetie£) 1 |
|||||||||||||
|
Regiments. |
1 c •5 c |
||||||||||||
|
Officers Commanding |
Lient Lacy |
Cantain Drnmmond _ |
|||||||||||
|
Cantonment, Post or Command |
II |
||||||||||||
|
Provinces & by whom commanded. |
UoDer Canada |
Lieut Colo. McDowell |
H O
Ph
Ph
O
i=l
CD
ft
O ft
a
Q
u
O
O
^ CO
CO
f-l
o t-
pq L_-j
CAPT. HECTOR McLEAN TO PETER RUSSELL.
155
CAPT. HECTOK MO LEAN TO PETER RUSSELL, ESQ.
Amherstburg, 21 September 1797.
Sir,
As it is probable those at the head of the Indian Department at this post may have written to you on the subject of Br^d to Indians I shall take the liberty of giving you a true state of the matter.
Mr. Elliott Deputy Superintendant soon after my taking command of this post made a requisition to me for a quantity of Bread for casual or incidental Issues (as he called it) to Indians. I immedi- ately rejected it as incompatible with Instructions but lest the Indians should be put to any inconvenience for want of bread Mr. Elliott was told that upon his requisition or order they should always receive bread at the Garrison baking to be delivered to the Indians them- selves but finding some appearance of an abuse I wrote a letter to the Commissary of which the inclosed is a copy and Mr. K. per- ceiving that Mr. E's ticket for the baking was not conformable to the directions he received of course refused to receive them as a proper voucher for the issue of bread to Indians they specifying no Nation or number of Indians and were without date. The Baker has however received directions to deliver Bread to all Indians that came for it themselves so that whatever inconvenience this mode may put Mr. Elliott's family to it can be attended with none to the Indians the intention being only to prevent abuse.
On finding that Mr. E's ticket to the Baker would not be received by the Commissary on account of Government the Storekeeper in Mr. E's name made application to me relative to bread issued during my own command as well as Capt. Mayn's with respect to the former. I was at no loss for an answer but respecting the latter I sent Mr. Ironside Storekeeper next morning the inclosed answer. From this statement of the case which I defy any of them to con- trovert I shall leave you to Judge what foundation there may be for any grievance excepting so far as it touches their own private interest. They at first seemed perfectly satisfied with this mode of receiving bread from the Baking for Indians who seemed always satisfied with it themselves but as soon as ever an attempt is made to control them, to correct abuses they consider it a grievance in short these people never fail to make use of the Indians' name on all occasions to carry any point they have in view to add to their own power & influence and once carried they struggle hard to retain
L
156
COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS. *
it even tho' the cause that gave rise to the pretence should cease to exist.
Any proposal coming from this description of people ought to be listened to with the greatest precaution, and any intelligence received from Jihis channel ought to be weighed in its proper balance and corroborated by more substantial evidence previous to its gaining too much credit. It being their interest to magnify and exaggerate every idle tale of an alarm which they never fail to do to promote their "J own views. You will please to pardon the liberty I have taken in thus troubling you, Sir, it being only meant to prevent any mis- representations that may be made of the matter. The Instructions for the Good Government of the Indian Department are very clear and timed more to favor the Indian than the conduct these people wish to pursue.
I have the honor to be
&c. &c.
Hector McLean,
Capt. R. C. V.
P. S. It must be allowed by every disinterested person that the mode of delivering bread to the Indians at the Baking is the best calculated to save these people as well as to prevent abuses what- ever their agents may assert to the contrary to tally with a view to their own Interests.
H. McL.
The Honble. Peter Russell, Esqr. [ Q 299, p 248 ]
J. p. SELBY, ASS. SEC'y I. A., TO CAPT. M. ELLIOTT.
Sandwich, 12th October 1797.
Dear Sir,
I am directed by the Depy Superintendt General to enclose a list of such Indians as have signified their design to remain during the winter at Chenail Ecart^ the two Bauch of Mickewass & Shawenabe are now with you and will give you their numbers to be added. These are independent of the comers and goers, as they are called, and also independent of those who frequently go from R. la Franche, and River St. Clair to Chenail Ecart^. The badness of the season has deprived them mostly of their crops & unless they get a little Provision they will not be able to subsist their Families in the
COL. A. McKEE TO CAPT. M. ELLIOTT.
157
winter, you will therefore make a requisition for such a quantity of Provisions as will last them until the Spring of the next year.
The Chiefs have promised to make an early Planting which they could not do this year on account of the distance they went to hunt last winter and to which they attribute the shortness of their crop.
I am
Dear Sir
Yours most sincerely
J. P. Selby.
The Big Bowl wants some Council Wampum to speak to the Makinac Indians. Capt. Elliott, Superintend^, &c. &c., Maiden.
[ Q 299, p 296 ]
List of the several Bands of Indians who have signified their desire to remain at Chenail Ecart^ during the Winter.
Sandwich, 12th October 1797.
Tribes. Men. Women. Children.
Big Bowl 50 50 60
Negig 15 23 22
Michewass ) The numbers to be added when ascer-
Shawenabe ) tained by Capt. Elliott
Peymicauawabame 20 15 10
Big Bear 58 50 52
J. P. Selby,
Asst. Secy.
[ Q 299, p 298 ]
OOL. A. MC KEE TO CAPT. M. ELLIOTT.
Sandwich, 13th October 1797.
Sir,
Agreably to the Commander in Chiefs instructions to me of the 20th of April last I have to desire of you to make a requisition for a Depot of Provisions at Chenail Ecart6 for the number of Indians specified in the return which you have received for six months. The King's service appearing to me to require it, & the numbers stated in that return being for such only as remain on the Ground for the Winter for early planting, the greatest part of the
158
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
settlement having I am informed gone a hunting already; And as His Excellency has stated that the Deputy Commissary at Amherst- burg is instructed on this Head, it is only necessary for me to add that an officer belonging ;to the Department will reside there to see the Issues according to the Commander in Chief's orders. If how- ever you can prevail on any further number of these Indians whose Chiefs are now with you, to cross the Lake & endeavour to feed themselves, it would greatly contribute to lessen the quantity of Provisions required.
I am
Sir
Your most obedt. Servant.
A. MoKee.
Capt. Elliott, Superintendt I. A., Maiden. [ Q 299, p 299 ] -
CAPT. MATHEW ELLIOTT TO COL. A. MC KEE.
Malden, 24th October 1797.
Sir,
The Copy of a Letter from Captain McLean to the president dated the 21st September* last which you sent me this morning has not much astonished me for from every observation on his con- duct since his arrival here he seems to have come with a premed- ited design to injure the Kings service by throwing every possible diflSoulty and impediment in the way of carrying on the duty of the Indian and (I understand) of other Departcbents also.
The last statement I sent you on the 6th Inst, respecting the diflBculty of Bread Issues will have perfectly informed you of the state of that business: But Sir, the new and troublesome mode adopted by Captain McLean for issues of Bread has objections to it which he has not thought fit to state in his letter to the Presi- dent— in it he has said nothing of three or four canteens estab- lished within his Garrison where the Indians find no difficulty in getting Rum for their provisions and cloathing nor has he stated that great number of Indians are unnecessarily detained at the post at a great expence of provisions by the easy means of intoxication thus held out to them.
*Pabli8hed on page 155.
CAPT. M. ELLIOTT TO COL. A. McKEE.
159
As to the unhandsome, nngentlemanlike and false insinuations he has made respecting the inconveniences his mode of issuing may put my family to he must one day or other account to me for I am sure Sir, to you, who have so long known me it is unnecessary to say it is a falsehood, it being notorious that I before I had my present appointment when none elsewhere could be had have sup- plied the Garrison at Detroit for the Winter when otherwise they would have starved being reduced to the last Barrel of the article of flour during Colonel England's command at that Post and that at this moment far from being reduced to use the fraudulent means of procuring that article he maliciously insinuates in his letter. I can, were the garrison in the like situation supply it for some months. As a more convincing argument however of the falsity of his assertion I herewith inclose you a copy of a receipt for flour delivered the garrison baker for bread for my family during the short time he baked for me.
The advice which Captain McLean also gives the President " to " listen with the greatest precaution to any proposal coming from
this description of people ♦and that he ought to weigh in its " proper balance any intelligence received thro' this channel and "that it ought to be corroborated by more substantial evidence pre- " vious to its gaining to much credit, it being their interest to " magnify and exaggerate every idle tale of an alarm, which they " never fail to do to promote their own views.
I am really at a loss to know the meaning of unless it be from an apprehension that his conduct has been complained of and that he may be called to an account for it. He basely and perhaps enviously traduces characters who but for the commission he bears would never consider him entitled to notice.
He talks of alarms and magnifying and exaggerating every idle tale as characteristics of the oflScers of the Indian Department; I studi- ously contradicted every rumour that tended in the least to raise any while he publickly talked of sending into the Indian Country to discover the disposition of the Potewatomies and other nations in that quarter understanding, he said their intentions were hostile; and Mr. McKenzie's report on his return from that Country sent you shews that the rumor was entirely groundless.
Perhaps my conduct in that affair may have given him occasion to make that cynical and ill founded remark in the letter I inclosed Mr. Selby the 4th Inst viz— That the transactions of the Indian
160
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORD^.
Department were envelloped in the impenetrable veil of secrecy. I have long served His Majesty I believe Sir, my conduct has always given satisfaction to my superiors and now to be accused of what no person who knows me and my circumstances will think me guilty of is exceedingly hard. I therefore must insist on an inquiry into my conduct that the world may Judge whether I have deserved such treatment or whether malice and envy have not given occasion to it. I will assert also that my house is and from the nature of my employment must be open to all Indians, who make no ceremony in seating themselves at my table or that of my servant's daily in numbers, and the calumnator from that circumstance no doubt may have judged of me by himself and what he would have done in the same case. I enclose you a copy of the Deputy Comisary's letter to me about bread Issues to which I can prove I rigidly conformed.
I am
Sir
Your obedt. very
humble Servt.
M. Elliott.
Alexander McKee, Esquire,
Deputy Superintendant General, &c. &c. &c., Sandwich.
[ Q 299, p 246 ]
J. p. SELBY TO CAPT. M. ELLIOTT.
Sandwich, 8th November 1797.
Dear Sir,
I have just received a letter from the Deputy Superintendant General inclosing a requisition for provisions for the Chenail Ecart6 Settle- ment and which I now send you to be presented for the approba- tion of the oflBcer commanding; Colonel McKee understanding that many of the Indians there who formerly intended to remain during the winter have gone a hunting and in consequence thereof he thinks the quantity now required may be sufficient, with great regard
I am &c. &c. &c.
J. P. Selby.
Captain Elliott, Supt. I. A., Maiden. [ Q 299, p 271 ]
LETTER FROM PATRICK SINCLAIR.
161
PETER RUSSELL, ESQ., TO CAPT. MATHEW ELLIOTT.
Sir, York, ISth November 1797.
Having this day received a letter from the Governor General covering copies of letters which have pass'd between Captain Mc- Lean and Mr. Ironside, and of a letter from Captain McLean to Captain Green Military Secretary with a request to me from His Excellency " to cause you and Mr. Ironside to be informed that ' ' unless you make forthwith suitable apologies to Captain McLean "commanding at Amherstburg His Excellency will dismiss you from "your situations in the Indian Department."
I take this earliest opportunity of transmitting to you copies of those letters marked A & B that Mr. Ironside and you may lose no time in paying due obedience to His Excellency the Governor General's pleasure.
I lament exceedingly the cause of this order and am concerned that the communication of it should pass thro' me.
I am Sir
Yours &c. &c. &c.
Peter Eussell. Mathew Elliott, Superintendant of I. A., Amherstburg.
A. Two letters dated 11 & 12th of September. /
B. 14th September.
[ Q 299, p 250 ] .
letter from PATRICK SINCLAIR.
Sir,
On the 25th of April last, I had the Honour to receive from you, the answer directed by The Duke of Portland to my Petition praying, for being continued on the civil Establishment of Canada, and for the payment of the arrears, which amounted to six years pay. My service in any capacity is at Grace's Command.
I have the Honour to be Sir respectfully ||; Your most obedient and most humble Servant
Patt. Sinclair.
Lybster, Caithness, 20th November 1797. John King, Esqr., &c. &c.
Endorsed: Lybster, Caithness, 20th Nov. 1797. Mr. P. Sinclair. R. 7th Deer. J. King.
[Q 57-2, p 466 ] 21
162
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
CERTIFICATES FROM MERCHANTS OF AMHERSTBURG, RELATING TO INDIAN
GOODS.
We have had a house of Trade here since the establishment of Maiden now Amherstburg and certify that no person employed in the Indian Department has bartered or traflScked with us any goods belonging to His Majesty's Indian Store at this place.
Leith, Shepherd & Duff.
Amherstburg, 12tli January 1798.
We have had a house of Trade here since the Establishment of the Post of Maiden now Amherstburg and certify that no person employed in the Indian Department has barter'd or traffick'd with us any goods belonging to his Majesty's Indian store at this place.
Meldrum & Park.
Amherstburg, lOth January 1798.
Amherstburg, 21st January 1798. ^ I have been employed by Mr. Askin a British merchant of Detroit, as a Clerk and have transacted all his Mercantile business here since the establishment of the Fort of Amherstburg and hereby certify that no person belonging to the Indian Department has bartered or traflScked with me any goods belonging to His Majesty's Indian Store. - Robt. Nichol.
Amherstburg, 27th January 1798. I have been employed by Mr. Sharp a British Merchant of Detroit, as a Clerk and have transacted all his Mercantile business here since the establishment of this post of Amherstburg and hereby certifiy that no person employed in the Indian Department has bartered or traflScked with me any goods belonging to His Majesty's Indian Store. Thos, Forsyth.
[ Q 299, p 294 ]
CERTIFICATE.
We certify that on the 18th September last we were at Captain
Elliotts when goods were delivered to the Indians in our presence
and that the oflScers who were ordered to attend on that occasion did not arrive till long after 12 o'clock. Jno. Sparkman.
Wm. Shepherd.
Amherstburg, 20th January 1798. [ Q 299, p 269 ]
PETER RUSSELL. TO ALEXANDER McKEE.
163
PETEE EUSSELL, ESQ., TO ALEXANDEE MC KEE.
Extract of a Letter from Mr. President Russell to Alexr. MoKee Esqr. Deputy Superintendt General of Indian Affairs &o. &c. &c.
Dated Yoek, 23d January 1798. "I take the advantage of an Express which the agent for pur- chases is sending off to Amherstburg to communicate to you some intelligence respecting abuses in the Issues of Provisions to Indians in Mr. Elliott's Department which I must desire you will make strict enquiry into and prevent the continuance of; and that you will as soon as possible inform me of the result that I may take measures for putting an entire stop to such enormities if they actually exist."
• In a letter which I have just received from the Governor Gen- eral are the following Paragraphs.
"The inclosed extract from Captain McLean's Letters, A, will explain ihe motives for holding the Council at his house without the par- ticipation of the oflScers of the Indian Department of which they complain and which are very different from those stated to you by Mr. Elliott."
"In ord^r to find out the number of Indians at the Chenail Ecart6 settlement, Captain McLean had been directed to furnish me with exact Eeturns each 24th June and 24th December (or as soon as might be practicable) of the exact number of men women and children settled there at present. A return of the above nature Cap- tain McLean required from Mr. Elliott the Superintendant who did not think proper to give it consequently Capt McLean took such steps aa he judged best calculated to produce the Information I had ordered. Why Mr. Elliott did not give it, remains for him to explain. The result of Capt McLean's inquiry is that only one hun- dred and sixty seven Indians are actually at the Chenail Ecarte tho Mr. Elliott had the assurance to demand provisions for five hundred and forty-three, which requisition Capt McLean has very properly not complied with.
"The complaint of cloathing purchased from Indians by the Gar- rison Suttlers is explained by the inclosure B; not by any means however in the manner stated by these oflScers."
"The management of the Indian Department in Upper Canada being by His Majesty's late regulations vested in you I have only to request that such steps may be taken as are best calculated to put an immediate stop to the irregular proceedings of the oflScers of
164
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
the Indian Department at Amherstburg. On my part I am determined the existing orders and regulations shall be implicitly obeyed by all concerned."
"With respect to Mr. Elliott's having demanded six months pro- visions for three hundred and seventy-six Indians more than he actually feeds, I shall defer coming to any decision until I receive he report from you which I have requested.
A true extract
J. P. Selby,
Asst. Sec'y I. A.
[ Q 279, p 256 ]
THE GOVEKNOR GENERAL TO PETER RUSSELL, ESQ.
Extract of a Letter from the Governor General to Mr. President Russell and inserted in a Letter from the President to Alexander McKee Esqr. Deputy Superintendt. General of I. A. &c. &c.
Dated 23rd January 1798. "The management of the Indian Department in Upper Canada, being by His Majesty's late regulations vested in you, I have only to request that such steps may be taken as are best calculated to put an immediate stop to the irregular proceedings of the oflScers of the Indian Department at Amherstburg on my part I am deter- mined the existing orders and regulations shall be implicitly obeyed by all concerned.
A true extract J. P. Selby.
[ Q 299, p 268 ]
ALEXANDER MC KEE TO PETER RUSSELL, ESQ.
Extract of a Letter from Aloxr. McKee Esqr. Deputy Superin- tendent General (fee. to Peter Russell Esqr. President Administer- ing the Government of Upper Canada.
dated Sandwich, 23d January 1798. "My anxiety and concern on the receipt of these Letters led me directly to an examination into the causes which occasioned the reports referred to by His Excellency, and after an accurate enquiry, a survey of the store, and an examination of the Books, and th&
PETER RUSSELL TO CAPT. M. ELLIOTT.
165
manner of issues, as well of Stores as of Provisions, except in the particular cases stated in the report B it does not appear any irreg- ularity has been committed; and in these particular cases, the inclosed Letter from the Superintendant is offered as a Justification for his departure in these instances from the established regulations, with the storekeepers aflSdavit and certificates of all the Merchants at Amherstburg to shew that no Barter nor TraflSc has been carried on at this Post.
I lament Sir that the commanding oflBcer had the smallest cause for representing to His Excellency any irregularity whatever, and it is hoped the personal misunderstanding which appears by the irrit- able complexion of the correspondence between the parties, may not have contributed to it, for except in the instances pointed out, there does not appear to me, on a close investigation, any of those abuses really existing which His Excellency's regard for Justice and a due appropriation of the King's benevolence to the Indians has induced him so highly to disapprove and condemn : and it will appear by the enclosed Eeturn of the Depy Commissaries that the expenditure of Provisions is less than for several years and barely exceeds the approved Eequisition which was 16000 Eations less than for the year 1796. In the article of rum the expenditure is much less than the Eequisition, the Commissaries Stores not being then able to furnish it." ,
A true extract delivered to Capt. Elliott by order of the Deputy Superintendant General.
J. P. Selby,
Asst. Secy. I. A.
[ Q 299, p 302 ]
PETER RUSSELL, ESQ., TO OAPT. M. ELLIOTT.
York, 6th February 1798.
Sir,
I have it in command from His Excellency the Governor General to inform you that he dispenses with your further services as Super- intendent of Indians and Indian Affairs, because you have not con- formed to your Instructions and because you have given in Eeturns of the number of Indians at Chenail Ecart^ for provisions that by no means corresponded with an exact Eeturn obtained of them by the officer commanding in that District, you are consequently to
166 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
consider yourself as being removed from your duties in that Capacity at the Time you receive this Letter,
I am extremely sorry that there should exist an occasion for this severe measure, and am Sir
Your most obedient
humble Servant Peter Eussell, President Administering the Governmt. U. C.
Mathew Elliott, Esqr.,
Superintendant of Indians & Indian Affairs.
[ Q 299, p 301 ]
OATH OF FREDERICK FISHER, INTERPRETER.
Province of Upper Canada, Western District.
I, Frederick Fisher late Interpreter in the Indian Department do make oath that I . have resided at Chenail Ecart^ for the last two years, and that the numbers of Indians who drew provisions during that period were generally from four hundred to eight hundred and sometimes to eleven hundred men, women, and children.
Fredk Fisher.
Sworn before me this sixth day of February 1798.
Thomas Smith,
1. P. W. D.
Frederick Fisher maketh oath that the Big Bowl told him about the 15th of October last that Captain McLean sent for him to council with him and that he there told him that their Father over the Great Lake hearing they were cheated and imposed on by the Indian Department had sent him here to see Justice done them. That Captain McLean had told him that he (F. Fisher) was a rogue and stole their provisions. That to prevent their being cheated Captain Elliott, could get nothing from the store without his (Captain McLean's) putting his name to the paper. That in consequence of what Captain McLean told the Big Bowl he was in a violent rage and abused the Indian Department.
Fredk. Fisher.
Sworn before me the 7th of February 1798
Thomas Smith,
I. P. W. D
[ Q 299, p 292 ]
ALEXANDER McKEE TO PETER RUSSELL.
167
ALEXANDER MO KEE TO PETER RUSSELL, ESQ.
Extract of a Letter from Alexander MoKee Esquire Superintendant General of Indian Affairs &o. &c. &c. To his Honor Peter Kussell Esquire President Administering the Government of Upper Canada.
Dated Sandwich, 7th February 1798.
Sir,
Having already written your Honor very fully on the subject of abuses reported to exist in the Indian Department I had hoped the subject was exhausted, but it remains yet for me to explain to your Honor the nature of the Chenail Ecart6 Settlement agreably to your desire.
This place was submitted to the late Commander in Chief by Lieut Governor Simcoe as a proper place of residence for those Indians who had distinguished themselves by their attachment to the King's Interest and were driven from their Country, and for all other Indians who were disposed to live under the King's protection, I was accordingly directed to encourage the Settlement. But as it was impossible for Indians to establish themselves without the assist- ance of provisions in a part of the Country where game is not plenty, a small depot of provisions was judged requisite for their partial support until they could feed themselves by planting which the two last unfavorable seasons had in a great measure prevented.
No provisions whatever were sent to Chenail Ecarte during the whole of last year except 250 Bushels of Corn the Indians residing there having been principally subsisted during that period by the provisions which were taken thither for the support of the Chippa- was from all parts of the Country who came to execute the deeds for the lands there and on the Eiver Thames, having been enabled contrary to expectation to accomplish the purchase and send them home again much sooner than there was reason to expect, a consid- erable saving of the provisions taken there for that purpose was thereby made and by an economical distribution it lasted until last fall, when the Indians came to me and requested provisions to enable them to live in the neighborhood of their village that they might be in readiness for early planting in the Spring giving me at the same time an account of their numbers. I accordingly transmitted it to the Superintendant at Amherstburg and directed him to make a requisition for such a number of Indians as appeared probable would winter in the neighborhjood of that place and be in want, being satisfied under the Eegulations directing an issuing Commissary
168
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
to reside on the spot together with an Interpreter to see the Indians received their Provisions and prevent the Commissary being imposed on, that no abuses in the Issues could have existence particularly as the Issuing Commissary must produce a voucher for every issue and deliver the provision to the Indians personally present. But having discovered after the return of the Indians from Amherstburg that they were preparing to go to Hunt at a considerable distance from an apprehension that provision would not be allowed them I immedi- ately countermanded the requisition and no provisions were sent.
The report of the Indians at Chenail Ecart6 is greatly erroneous nor is it surprizing when the information is obtained from characters who are not entitled to any credit as soon however as the Indians return from hunting and are collected an exact return can then be taken.
In the meantime I transmit to Your Honor the affidavit of Mr. Frederick Fisher a man of Truth and confidence and who has con- stantly resided at Chenail Ecarte ever since its first Establishment as an issuer to shew that the return of the numbers as forwarded to Head Quarters is altogether inaccurate.
The certificate of Lt Forbes of the Eoyal Artillery on whose authority the Superintendant stated to me the garrison -being under Arms &c. would have accompanied this, but Capt Elliott informs me Mr. Forbes is from home and the Indians who carry this are impatient to be gone it shall however be forwarded to your Honor the first opportunity after it is received.
I have the honor to be &c. &c. A, MoKee.
[ Q 299, p 273 ]
J. FORBES CERTIFIES FOR CAPT. M. ELLIOTT.
9th February 1798. Being requested by Captain Elliott to certify the report concern- ing the Troops being called out against the Indians, I certify that I mentioned it to him, which I heard from some soldiers and upon further enquiry found that there was not grounds for that report.
J, Forbes.
[ Q 299, p 291 ]
peter RUSSELL, ESQ., TO ALEXANDER MC KEE.
Extract of a letter from Mr. President Russell to Alexr. MoKee Esq. dated York, 7th March 1798.
"I have received your several Letters dated as in the margin.
That of the 23d of January I transmitted to the Governor General
GEN. ROBT. PRESCOTT TO ROBT. LISTON.
169
by the Winter Express & was extremely sorry that I had not that Justification of Mr. Elliott's conduct in Time to present to His Excellency before he had taken the resolution of removing him from the Indian Department. Those of the 3rd 7th & 9th were like- wise sent by the same opportunity, and those of the 23rd shall be transmitted by the next that offers. It remains for me to lament that an Enquiry had not been instituted into Mr. Elliott's conduct previous to his Dismissal, which I was making arrangements for & should have been carried into execution had I not been prevented by the Governor General's last commands which left nothing to my discretion. "
A true copy J. P. Selby,
Asst. Secy. I. A.
[ Q 299, p 804 ]
GEN. ROBT. PRESCOTT TO ROBT. LISTON.
Quebec, I4:th May 1798.
Sir,
I have been honored with your letters No 20, 21, and 22; and I have communicated to the Merchants of Montreal the Eepresentation you have so obligingly made to the American ministry, to prevent any further Interruption of their Trade with the Indians from the Post of Detroit.
I flatter myself enough has already been said to remove every uneasiness on the part of the American Govt, respecting our having taken possession of the Island of Bois-blanc, which certainly under the circumstances I formerly mentioned, cannot in any way be con- sidered as a measure hostile to the United States.
I am with great Eegard Sir,
Y. M. O. & M. H. S.
Egbert Prescott.
Eobert Listen, Esqr.,
His Britannic Majesty's Minister Plenipotentiary, &c. &c.
Endorsed: D.
Iq Genl. Prescott's No. 74 To the Duke of Portland. Copy sent to Lord Grenville, the Ist Deer. 1798.
[ Q 80-1, p 180 ]
22
170
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
CAPT. M. ELLIOTT TO PETEE RSSSELL, ESQ.
Malden, July 1798.
Having waited with anxious impatience for several months, under the persuasion that the representations which have been made to Your Honor on the subject of my dismission from public employ- ment might by this time have produced the enquiry which I earn- estly solicited and never doubted the Justice of the King's servants would at length institute notwithstanding the trifling mistake which was committed by my condemnation preceding my trial. And feel- ing the utmost anxiety to wipe away every blemish which the hasty and unprecedented manner of being dismissed by the Commander in Chief will undoubtedly affix to my reputation until all the cir- cumstances shall publickly appear. I must entreat Your Honor as the immediate representative of His Majesty in this Province specially appointed to superintend all the affairs of the Indian Department therein to render an humble individual who knows himself injured by the hands of power the Justice of meeting his calumniators before such public tribunal as your Honor may be pleased to appoint for ascertaining the truth or falsehood of the base charges attributed to him while acting in his public capacity or that Your Honor will be pleased to make such a statement of the circum- stances to His Majesty's ministers as may produce for me in Eng- land the means of my Justification.
Your Honor will not, I am sure, think me so importunate on a subject that so nearly affects me. And I persuade myself of being speedily honored with such communication of your sentiments on this matter as may render any further steps to be taken by me altogether unnecessary.
I have the Honor to be Sir
Your most obedt. & most
humble Servant
M. Elliott.
His Honor Peter Russell, Esqr.,
President Administering the Governmt. of Upper Canada.
[ Q 299, p 277 ]
PETER RUSSELL TO COL. A. McKEE.
171
GEN. KOBT. PEESCOTT TO PETER RUSSELL, ESQ.
[No. 41.]
Extract of a Letter from His Excellency General Prescott to Mr. President Russell dated Quebec, 5tli October 1798.
"I received very lately confidential Information that a French Gen- " eral named Coll6t, who was amongst others engaged in a plan for " stirring up a Eebellion in Canada, went into the Western Country "in the Summer of 1796 & 1797 to prepare the Indians to make an "attack on Upper Canada, at the same time that a French Force " should come into Lower Canada. When he (Collot) left that Country, " he promised the Indians that he should return in 1799, and they " expect him accordingly. He was to sail for France in the Begin- " ning of July to assist in concerting measures for renewing the above "Plan."
"The above communication is to be depended upon, and I take the liberty of handing it over to you ; that, if possible, you might discover what Tribes of Indians in the Western Country have been tampered with by the before mentioned Frenchman, that measures may be taken to prevent the intended mischief." P. R.
Endorsed: Extract of a Letter from His Escelly General Prescott to Mr. President Russell, dated Quebec, 5tli October 1798. Received 2d Novr.
In Mr. President Russell's of the 8th of November 1798. No. I.
[ Q 286-1, p 33 ]
PETER RUSSELL, ESQ., TO COL. A. MO KEE.
Extract of a Letter from Mr. President Russell to Colonel McKee, Deputy Superintendant General, &c. &c. &c. dated
York, October 13th 1798. "You will have the goodness to inform Captain Elliott that I lost no time in transmitting to the Governor General a copy of his request that an Enquiry might be instituted into his conduct — and that his Excellency has been pleased to inform me in answer — "that His Grace the Duke of Portland has signified to him His Majesty's approbation of the Dismissal of Mr. Elliott and that the King would name a successor to the office he lately held in the Indian Department."
A true copy, J. P. Selby, [ Q 299, p 305 ] Asst. Secy I. A.
172
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
PETER KUSSELL, ESQ., TO GENERAL ROBERT PRESOOTT.
Upper Canada, York, 2d November 1798.
Sir,
I have this day the honor to receive Your Excellency's two Let- ters dated the 3rd & 5th of October the latter numbered 41 and the first covering Inclosures which I have not time at present to consider sufficiently for transmitting my sentiments thereon to Your Excellency by this opportunity.
The confidential Information, contained in Your Excellency's num- bered letter, added to that which I received on the 27th September last from the Duke of Portland, & what I could collect from a con- versation which I have lately had with Captain Brandt considered together convince me that a very dangerous cloud hangs ready to burst over the Province. And I am sorry to mention in confidence to Your Excellency that 1 have not at present the means of dis- covering with any degree of certainty in what Tribes of Indians we may place our implicit trust. I have repeatedly written to Mr. McKee the Deputy Superintendant General requesting Intelligence from him of what is doing among the Indians in his Quarter but I have not heard any thing material from him since the commence- ment of the present year.
Should the Western Indians be really disposed to make an Irrup- tion on the back Settlements of this Province, considerable mischief may unquestionably be done before I could possibly hear of their attack and there are so few farms occupied between the Don and the Humber in the rear of this Town that the Indians themselves would probably bring me the first news of their approach. I am compelled therefore with concern to declare to Your Excellency that I have the most serious apprehensions for the consequences of a sudden attack by the Western and Lake Indians even tho the Indians of the Grand River should prove faithful & Captain Brandt assures me that he has not a doubt of the hostile disposition of the Cook- nawagas and others of the Seven Nations of Canada whom he believes to be strongly in the French Interest.
Thus circumstanced I hold it to be my duty to solicit Your Excellency with the utmost earnestness for a larger regular force to be stationed near the seat of this Government, if possible before the Spring; that I may be able to push forward Posts to such situations between this Town and Lake Simcoe as the Engineer may judge fittest, with at least one field Piece to each for the purpose of
\
PETER RUSSELL TO GEN. ROBERT PRESCOTT. 178
apprizing us in time of an Enemy's approach and giving some check to his advance. I shall in the meantime endeavor so to arrange the few Militia we have here as to co-operate with his Majesty's regular Troops on the shortest notice, Colonel Shaw (the lieutenant of this Country) has had for some months one hundred stand of arms with the adequate portion of Ammunition & orders to have a like number of men balloted for and held in constant Readiness to embody at a moment & march when ordered. The like orders have been given to all the other lieutenants of counties for Arming & keeping one hundred men of each Militia Battalion under their respective commands in constant preparation to attend the first sum- mons; and the Arms and Ammunition which your Excellency had th^ goodness to send me last year have been equally distributed among them for that purpose.
The Militia placed under the orders of Colonels McKee and Baby in the Western District have been greatly reduced in numbers by the secession of those who have become subjects of the United States. However from the last Reports of those Gentlemen I value myself on one Hundred & Fifty men from that quarter in case of Emergency. The Long Point Settlement may turn out one hundred and fifty more; and the County of Lincoln about Eight Hundred. The two last are Staunch old Soldiers and may be depended upon, The Midland and Eastern Districts having in their last Returns reported their Militia to be no more than 2683 Rank & file (tho' I am persuaded one third more ought to be enrolled in those Dis- tricts) T cannot state their strength for the field at more than one thousand men in Arms but I hope I shall not be disappointed of drawing from thence that number at least; without domestic Incon- venience whenever their Services may be wanted.
His Grace the Duke of Portland having informed me that he has transmitted to Your Excellency copies of His Graces most secret letter to me of the 7th of June last and of the papers therein inclosed.
I do not trouble Your Excellency with other copies of them. And I hope His Graces Injunctions to me and the present alarm- ing appearance of our political Horison may appologize for my appli- cation for a Reinforcement at a time, when I fear Your Excellency may judge it right to keep all Your Troops for the Security of Lower Canada; I have however in doing so only obeyed the dictates
174 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
of my duty and submit with deference to Your Excellencys Superior Wisdom & Information.
I have &ca.
P. E.
His Excellency General Prescott, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: Mr. President Rassell to General Prescott, 2d Novr. 1798. In Mr. President Russell's of the 8th. November 1798. No. 2.
[ Q 286-1, p 35 ]
GEN. ROBT. PRESCOTT TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
No. 94. Secret. Quebec, 12th December 1798.
My Lord,
Since my Letter No 93 which I had the honor of addressing to Your Grace on the 13th of November, I have received letters from Mr. President Eussell mentioning the Keceipt of Your Grace's Let- ter to him of the 7th of June last marked most secret.
Mr. Russell says that "The confidential Information I had given
him (respecting General Collots having been among the Western " Indians, as mentioned in my Letter to Your Grace No 85 of the " 1st of October last) added to that contained in the above mentioned " Letter from Your Grace, and what he had collected from a con- " versation with Captain Brant, considered together, convinced him " that a very dangerous cloud was hanging over that Province ready " to burst; and that he could not discover with any degree of cer- " tainty, in what Tribes of Indians a confidence might be placed."
And he therefore expressed an earnest desire to have a large Regular Force, stationed near the seat of government, if possible before the Spring, to enable him to make such arrangements as might become necessary for the Defence of that Province in case it should be attacked.
Although I consider it my duty to communicate Mr. Russell's apprehensions to Your Grace, yet I consider it to be equally my duty to observe that I cannot, for my own part, think the danger to be near so great as Mr. Russell appears to apprehend, unless it should so happen that the French should make a serious attempt against this Province: should they do this, I should then indeed consider it to be exceedingly probable that some of the Western
GEN. ROBERT PRESCOTT TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND. 175
Tribes who" may have been tampered with by Collot, might give assistance to their schemes by^ making an attack upon Upper Canada; but I cannot think it likely that an attack would be made on that Province on any other principle than that of favoring a more exten- sive Plan of Operation on the part of the Enemy, for the purpose of gaining Possession of this Country,
I have informed Mr. Kussell in answer to the Request, that "The *' Detachment of Queen's Rangers at the Forts Erie, Chippawa, and " the Landing, should be relieved by the Second Battalion of Royal
Canadian Volunteers as early in the Spring as possible, and sent *' to Zork; and that by adding that Reinforcement to his present *' numbers, I give him all the assistance of Regular Force that I "can afford at present."
It would I must confess, afford me satisfaction to furnish a larger regular Force for Upper Canada, if I could do it consistently with the safety of this Province; but when the difference between the militia of the one Province and that of the other is taken into account, I cannot but consider the present state of the Upper Province to be equal (or even superior) to that of Lower Canada, in point of strength and security. Should it be found consistent with the other parts of His Majesty's Service, an augmentation to the Forces in these Provinces would be exceedingly desirable.
I have great reason to believe that Emissaries continue to be employed in this Province by the Enemy, although they so conduct themselves as to avoid Detection.
I am informed by Dr. Nooth who arrived here from Halifax by the way of Boston and Albany, on the 15th Ulto. that several of the most intelligent People in that country (of whom Mr. Day the governor of New York was one) entertained very strong suspicions of a correspondence being carried on in favour of the enemy, between some of the Fiench Emigrants who have taken Refuge in the American States, and some of those who have been admitted into this Province.
Sir John Johnson informs me that some persons of suspicious appearance, above the common class of Frenchmen, have lately been seen at Caughnawaga. Sir John took the earliest measures for hav- ing them apprehended in order to their being examined, but they have hitherto eluded the vigilance with which they have been sought
176
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
after. I shall not fail to use every endeavour for frustrating their Designs, and for discovering (if possible) the Persons concerned.
I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Graces most obedt & most
huml. Servt.
EoBT. Prescott.
His Grace The Duke of Portland,
Endorsed: Quebec, 12th Deer. 1798.
Genersil Prescott, Secret. No. 94. E. 15th April 1799.
Copy sent to Lord Grenville 15th April 1799.
PETEK RUSSELL, ESQ., TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND. [ No. 45. ]
Upper Canada, York, 21st December 1798.
My Lord Duke,
I have the Honor to inform Your Grace that the Count de Puisaye 1798 arrived here on the 18th instant, and delivered to me ^'T^^'T.^T^ Your Grace's and Mr. King's letters as stated in the
Do 26th May °
No. 9 12 June margin to which I shall not fail to pay all due ohe- feing^iJ^iy dience.
The very high character given to me by Mr. Windham of Mr. de Puisayes Principles Integrity & Honor encourages me to place a Degree of Confidence in him which I should have been cautious of reposing at this important crisis in any other Frenchman not so well recommended. Therefore, as the vacant land between this Town and Lake Simooe offers a Situation which is equally distant from the French Settlements in Lower Canada, and on the Detroit River, I have chosen it, with Mr. de Puisaye's approbation, for the estab- lishment of this Colony of French Royalists because its Proximity to the Seat of Government will not only facilitate the conveyance to them of any assistance they may occasionally want; but subject all their movements to the immediate Inspection & comptroul of the Administration. And indeed their numbers may moreover con- tribute to fill up an uninhabited space, thro which an Indian Enemy may at present advance to the Destruction of this Town before we can possibly receive sufficient warning of their approach. I have for
PETER RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
177
this purpose directed the Surveyor General to lay off your Town- ships immediately to the Northward of Markham, Pickering & Whitby, and Mr. de Puisaye proposes to accompany the Deputy Surveyor him- self that he may have an opportunity of exploring the Country.
To preserve as nearly as possible their former subordination, it is my intention to form these Royalists into a corps of Militia as soon as it can be done with propriety, and by placing Mr. de Puisaye at their Head with permission to name the oflScers, & putting him into the commission of the Peace, give him the Civil & Military direc- tion of the Colony. This gentleman appears to be fully sensible how much I depend upon the Prudence and Fidelity of his con- duct in this situation; and he assures me in consequence that he shall not admit a Frenchman into the Establishment under his charge whose Principles he is not perfectly acquainted with.
I have the Honor to inclose for Your Grace's Information the copy of a List which Mr. de Puisaye has given me of the Persons who have accompanied him to this Province with a specification of their respective Eanks; and I beg leave to solicit Your Grace's Pleasure respecting their being supplied with Provisions out of His Majesty's Stores. For not having received any Intimation thereof from the Commander in Chief I am at a loss to know how far I am at liberty to sanction the delivery of Rations to them, which Mr. De Puisaye informs me they had been encouraged to expect, as was heretofore done to the Loyalists who brought orders from admin- istration to be settled in this Province. I request, my Lord, like- wise to be instructed before Patents are issued for the Lands to be granted to the Persons composing this new Establishment, whether the half Fee (three pence per acre) is to be charged to the respec- tive grantees, as directed by the new Regulations; or whether they are to receive their lands gratis, and the half fees to the oflBcers (two Pounds fifteen shillings & Sixpence on each thousand acres granted) to be paid by warrant on the Receiver General.
The Acting Surveyor General not having been able yet to com- plete his Report of the Quantity of Waste Land which may remain to be disposed of after providing for the previous Engagements of Government, I must defer a little longer the transmitting to Your Grace 'our Joint opinions upon the number- of French Royalists who can be provided with Lands in this Province, & upon the situa- tions most proper to place them in. But I shall take care to
expedite the Report with my utmost diligence. 23
178
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
I have now only to assure Your Grace that I shall with pleasure pay every attention to Your Grace's commands, and do all in my power to promote the views of His Majesty's Ministers on this occasion.
I have the Honor to be with
the greatest Respect My Lord
Your Grace's
Most obedient &
most humble Servant
Peter Russell.
His Grace the Duke of Portland, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed:— Upper Canada, York, 2l8t November 1798. Mr. President Russell. No. 45. R. 15th April 1799, ansd 11 June. One Inclosnre.
[ Q 286-1, p 39 ]
MEMORIAL OF MATHEW ELLIOTT.
To His Excellency Lieutenant General Prescott Captain General and Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Provinces of Upper and Lower Canada, &c. &c. &c.
The Memorial of Mathew Elliott late Superintendant of Indian Affairs in Upper Canada.
Most humbly sheweth,
That your Memorialist has served His Majesty in different situa- tions since the year 1763 that in the year 1776 at great personal hazard he fled from the revolted Colonies leaving behind him a con- siderable property and immediately joined the King's Forces.
That Your Memorialist has ever since acted with zeal and Fidelity in His Majesty's service and in the year 1790 was appointed Assist- ant Agent of Indian Affairs and continued in that employment till the year 1795 when in consideration of his past services, his knowl- edge of Indian Affairs and his extensive Interest amongst that people he was appointed by Commission Superintendant.
That till the late misrepresentations to Your Excellency of Your Memorialists conduct he had the happiness to enjoy and receive the most flattering marks of approbation from His Majesty's Governors
MEMORIAL OF MATHEW ELLIOTT.
179
in these Provinces, as well as from the Commanding oflBoers, stationed at the post to which he belonged.
That conscious of having discharged his duty with fidelity and to the best of his abilities and never to have acted but under posi- tive orders from his superior oflScers deeply lamenting also the situa- tion he now stands in by his dismission from His Majesty's Service unheard, and desirous to support his honor and character (hitherto unimpeached) having likewise full vouchers for his conduct.
Your memorialist most humbly prays your Excellency would be pleased to order an investigation of his conduct.
And Your Memorialist as in duty bound shall ever pray.
YoEK, U. C, 20th January 1799.
To the honorable Sir John Johnson Baronet Superintendant Gen- eral and Inspector General of Indian Affairs &c, &o. &c. The Memorial of Mathew Elliott late Superintendant of Indian Affairs at the Post of Amherstburg. Most humbly sheweth.
That Your Memorialist has been dismissed His Majesty's Service by the order of the Governor General, without being permitted to defend himself against the charges set forth as the cause thereof.
That Your Memorialist has urgently and frequently solicited both His Excellency and the President administering the Government of this Province, to direct an investigation of the conduct of Your Memorialist, which has been uniformly denied him.
That Your Memorialist is capable of proving that the charges against him are groundless and malevolent.
That Your Memorialist has ever since 1763 served His Majesty with zeal and fidelity and now only asks that as Head of the Indian Department in British America Your Honor will be pleased to make such representations and take such steps in the premises as to procure him justice.
And Your Memorialist will ever pray.
Malden, 20th April 1799.
180
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
To General His Royal Highness Edward Duke of Kent and Strat- hern Earl of Dublin Knight of the most noble Order of the Garter and of the most Illustrious order of St. Patrick. Colonel of His Majesty's 7th or Eoyal Fusilier Regiment of Foot and Commander in Chief of the Forces serving in British North America.
The Memorial of Mathew Elliott late Superintendant of Indian AlBPairs at the post of Amherstburg.
Most humbly sheweth,
That Your Royal Highnesses Memorialist in the year 1776 fled from the revolted Colonies at great personal hazard leaving behind him a considerable property, that he immediately joined the King's Forces and served as a Captain with the Indians in His Majesty's Interests to the end of the War.
That he has ever since acted with zeal and fidelity in His Majesty's Service and humbly submits for His Royal Highnesses inspection the enclosed certificates thereof.
That in the year 1790, your Memorialist was appointed assistant agent of Indian Affairs and continued in that employment until the year 1795, when in consideration of his past services, and his knowl- edge of Indian affaire he was appointed by Commission from the then Commander in Chief Lord Dorchester Superintendant.
That the late Commander in Chief General Prescott dismissed Your Royal Highnesses Memorialist from that appointment in con- sequence of the misrepresentations made to him by Captain Hector McLean of the 2nd Battn of Royal Canadian Volunteers command- ing at the po^ of Amherstburg unheard and without any Enquiry as to the truth or falsehood of Captain McLean's reports altho' repeatedly and earnestly applied to for that purpose by Mr. Presi- dent Russell Sir John Johnson and your Memorialist. |
That Your Royal Highnesses Memorialist conscious of having dis- | charged his duty faithfully and that he has only acted under the positive orders of his superior oflScers deeply laments his dismission from a service in which his honor and reputation have been here- tofore unimpeached. He therefore feels himself constrained to appeal to Your Royal Highnesses Justice and implores an enquiry into his conduct.
And Your Highness's Memorialist as in duty bound will ever pray.
Montreal, 20 June 1800.
MEMORIAL OP MATHEW ELLIOTT.
181
To the Eight Honorable His Grace the Duke of Portland one of His Majesty's principal Secretaries of State &c. &c. &c. &c.
The Memorial of Mathew Elliott late Superintendent of Indian Affairs in Upper Canada.
Most humbly sheweth.
That Your Memorialist fled from the Revolted Colonies at great personal hazard leaving behind him a considerable property in the year 1776 and immediately joined the King's forces.
That Your Memorialist has ever since acted with zeal and fidel- ity, as will appear by the annexed certificates of service. That in the year 1190 he was appointed Assistant Agent of Indian Affairs and continued in that employment until the year 1795, when on a review of his past services his knowledge of Indian concerns and his extensive interest among these people he was appointed by Commission Superintendant.
That since the departure of the late Commander in Chief Lord Dorchester the most base and slanderous misrepresentations of your memorialists conduct have been made to his Excellency General Prescott particularly by Captain Hector McLean of the Eoyal Can- adian Volunteers commanding the Post of Amherstburg.
That in consequence of these misrepresentations the Commander in Chief has thought proper to dismiss Your Memorialist the ser- vice unheard and without any enquiry as to the truth or falsehood of Captain McLean's reports.
That Your Memorialist has repeatedly and earnestly applied to Mr. President Russell as well as to the Governor General for an investigation of his conduct without any effect. He therefore in defence of his own honor and character feels himself under the necessity of applying to His Majesty under a Hope that your Memorialist's insignificance will not stop the current of justice and impartiality due to all his subjects.
Your Memorialist begs permission further to state that the Com- mander in Chief General Prescott by letter to Mr. President Rus- sell first directed an enquiry into Your Memorialist's conduct to be instituted. Rut before it was possible for these directions to reach the post, his Excellency dispatched an express ordering his imme- diate dismission without any enquiry whatever.
That upon the receipt of His Excellency's orders which expressed the cause of his dismissing Your Memorialist the service, authentic documents proving he had only acted under positive written orders
182
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS,
from his superior officer the Deputy SuperintendaDt General were forwarded to Mr. President Kussell and by him to the Commander in Chief but no notice has been taken of that justification and Your Memorialist remains under the imputation and impression of having acted dishonestly and dishonorably in the exercise of his office as Superintendant of Indian Affairs.
Your Memorialist therefore most humbly implores Your Grace to intercede with His Majesty to do him justice in the premises by ordering a full and substantial enquiry to be made into his con- duct and into the cause of his being so dishonorably dismissed His Majesty's service.
And Your Grace's Memorialist will ever pray.
Malden, Upper Canada, 1798.
To His Grace the Duke of Portland one of His Majesty's princi- pal Secretarys of State for the Home Department &c. &c. &c.
The Memorial of Mathew Elliott of Maiden in His Majesty's Province of Upper Canada Esquire.
Most respectfully sheweth.
That he was dismissed His Majesty's service as Superintendant of Indian Affairs by order of General Prescott without being heard in his own defence.
That Your Grace's Memorialist has made frequent but ineffectual applications for an enquiry into his conduct and is at length con- strained to make this appeal to His Majesty thro Your Graces condescending interference firmly trusting that by the merciful interposition of His Royal Master an officer who has faithfully served him from the year 1763 to the period of his dismissal will not be denied an opportunity of proving that he is innocent of the charges alleged against him.
And Your Grace's Memorialist will forever pray.
York, Upper Canada, 24th June 1801.
[ Q 299, p 279 ]
CAPT. JOSEPH BRANT TO LIEUT. GOV. SIMCOE.
183
CAPT. JOSEPH BEANT TO LT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE.
To M. General Simcoe, Lt. Govr. Upper Canada, Sir,
The long acquaintance which I have the Honour of forming with you, convinces me that you possess an intimate knowledge of the concerns of this Province, & will ever retain a warm desire of pro- moting the happiness of its Inhabitants, I therefore, Sir, address myself to you on a subject which I feel in common with all our people strongly interested. .
Captain Matthew Elliot one of His Majesty's Superintendants of Indian aiffairs in this Province was dismissed some time past from his employment without a trial, an Investigation or even a hear- ing upon the bare and clandestine Insinuations to General Prescott of the oflBcer commanding His Majesty's Troops at Amherstburg ( Captain Hector McLean of the Royal Canadian Volunteers ) & although Captain Elliot declares his innocence & his readiness to produce the written orders of his Superior oflScer for all his official transactions & his full approbation for the whole tenor of his con- duct & has made application four times for the means of vindicat- ing his honor & character by a public trial or at least Investiga- tion. Still no regard has been paid to his remonstrances & he is now making a fifth attempt, by a memorial to the Commander in Chief in which, it is probable he will not be more successful.
I am induced Sir by several motifs to sollicit your Interest with His Majesty's Ministers that this business may be publicly inquired into — in the first place Sir, you know that loud complaints have existed for many years that His Majesty's bounty to our people has been greatly misapplied & the Royal intentions partly defeated, indeed we have not been without our suspicions on the subject & cannot but think that any public trial would tend to throw light upon it, would be a desirable measure — in the second place, Captain Elliot has long been a faithful & respected Servant of the Crown & for a series of years has been & continues to be to this day high in our confidence, in our esteem & in our love nor can any thing but a pub- lic trial convince us that he has ever rendered himself undeserving of these sentiments — if he be culpable a public trial is the only equitable way of establishing his guilt, if innocent why deny him the means of proving himself so — if there be any delinquents in the department let them be detected, but let not the innocent suffer for the guilty, indeed we all think it hard & the consequences may
184
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
be unfavorable, that the principal persons whom His Majesty appoints over us should be liable to dismissal without a trial or hearing, whilst all the other servants of His Majesty even down to a Corporal are entitled to that Indulgence.
Hoping that through your kind offices His Majesty will order the Doors of Justice to be thrown open in this business. I have the honor to be
Sir Your most obedient
& must humble Servt
(Signed) Jos: Brant.
York, 22d January 1799. [ Q 57-2, p 474. ]
CAPT. MATHEW ELLIOTT TO LT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE.
York, U. C, 22d January 1799.
Sir,
I presume to hope Your Excellency will pardon the liberty I now take of addressing you in consequence of the cruel treatment I have received from the Governor General who has dismissed me the Service (I boldly say without blame on my .part) hitherto deny- ing me an opportunity of vindicating my conduct tho' repeatedly applied to for that purpose.
Under the full expectation therefore, that this Province is not to suffer (at such a Juncture as the present), the irreparable loss of Your Excellency's acknowledg'd great services, & that the important public employments which have engaged your attention in other parts of the world, may now give you leizure to add comfort, sat- isfaction & security to His Majesty's subjects in this — I presume to address you.
Mr. President Russell has now promised to forward to the Com- mander in Chief, another memorial on my part, should that also fail, I shall take the liberty of sending one to the Duke of Port- land and to request Your Excellency will have the goodness to give it support. I can with truth assure Your Excellency, that every part of the malignant charges against me are false & malicious & that I am capable of proving the same to the satisfaction of any unprejudiced person.
p. SEBLY TO PETER RUSSELL.
185
Your Excellency's former goodness induced me to hope for a favorable reception to this Letter & that in the Event I cannot obtain redress in this country, Your Excellency will aid the just pretensions of an old servant to the Crown. I have the Honor to be
with the highest respect & duty
Your Excellency's most obedient
& most humble servant
M. Elliott.
His E. M. Genl. Simcoe, Lt. Govr. Upper Canada. [ Q 57-2, p 477 ]
p. SELBY TO PETER RUSSELL, ESQ.
Sandwich, 23rd January 1799.
Sir,
The probability of an attack on this Province in the ensuing Spring as expressed in Your Honors several letters to the late Deputy Superintendent General induced that respectable officer, ten or twelve days before his death to honor me with a communication of many important matters relative to the defence thereof; and I should ill discharge the Duty I owe to the public and my Country were I to conceal on the present alarming occasion the plans and observations which it was his intention of submitting through Your Honor to His Excellency the Governor General, for the purpose of defeating any attempts which our Enemies might make on this part of the Country.
They were these
"That the Barrier which the United States presents is of so *'high a consideration unless the people of Kentucky and of the *'Ohio should Join our Enemies or permit them to pass unmoK *'lested through their North Western Territory, little danger to this
Province is to be apprehended by that Eout. But that the water ^'communication by the Ouisconsin to Lake Michigan (except an ** inconsiderable carrying place between that and Fox river) opens an *'easy passage for the introduction of Troops and all manner of *'stores either by the way of Chicago or Missilimackinao. "
"That the rout by the Hlinois river tho' much nearer, does not "afford such advantages for bringing forward supplies as the Ouis- 24
186
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
"cousin, and altho' in the Spring of the Year, the waters afe "always high by the dissolving of the Snow and frequent rains at "that season yet it is presumed the swelling of the Illinois may have "subsided before an army could be in readiness to take the advan- "tage of that circumstance and it must be observed also that there "are many interruptions on this communication such as Rapids and "Shallow waters. The Ouisconsin therefore appears their most rout "as it is the easiest and most secret as well from its distance "from any body of Traders as from the little intercourse we hav© "with the Indians Inhabiting that part of the Country.
"In order therefore to meet every contingency the late deputy "Superintendent General proposed to collect all the Indians in "this part of the Country and a part of those about Missilimaok- "inac and the Island of St. Joseph in this vicinity as early as "possible in the Spring; and numerous small scouting parties from "them as well as confidential messengers sent off to watch the "motions of the Enemy in all directions; and to obtain by this "means early intelligence of all their movements; this defensive "force independant of regular Troops and Militia may on a mod- "erate computation be estimated at three thousand fighting men.
"The Sakies and Foxes on the Ouisconsin and Fox River were "by all possible means & exertions to be induced to resist any "attempt of the French Spanish or unfriendly Indians to pass "through their Country, for which purpose a considerable present "was to be sent to each of the Nations by three of their young "men who winter here accompanied by two Confidential Messengers, "one of whom was to bring back with him some of their princi- "pal chiefs to confirm the friendship which was entered into (or "pretended to be so) last fall at Amherstburg, and who would be "considered by their Nations as hostages for their fidelity to Great "Britain; for if these nations have been seduced by General Collot "or his agents it is not improbable that their late visit to this "Country may be preparatory to their entering it in a hostile man- "ner; the other Messenger to remain among these people to give "the earliest information of the approach of an enemy in that "quarter or of any suspicious movements of the Indians themselves.
"The late Colonel McKee had also turned his thoughts to the "great public advantages, to be derived from the spontaneous offers "of service and the friendly intercourse he had the last two years "with the Scioux, a nation unquestionably composing the best
JOSEPH BRANT TO PETER RUSSELL.
187
"Indian Warriors in America, are all mounted and muster about "6000 men; and his opinion was that the Government should avail "itself of their services on this occasion and also of the services of "our old friends and fellow soldiers the Follesavoine or Monomanies "who inhabit a large Tract of Country near the Prairie du Chene "between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi.
" These nations with a few British officers among them were pro- " posed to be sent down the Mississippi and to engage any Enemy "they might meet; and if there should be no appearance of "troops or hostile Indians they were to be directed to proceed as "low down as possible and keep up a constant alarm to prevent "the Spaniards French or Indians in their Interest from venturing "to any distance from their own Settlements.
"In case the Enemy should advance through the American Terri- "tory unmolested or by any other rout the Indians (to be assem- "bled in this neighborhood) were under proper officers to march "and take some advantageous position on the Koad and give them "Battle before they made a near approach to this place and. if "unfortunately defeated they were to retreat to Amherstburg or "wherever else directed to make a last ejffort in conjunction with "the regular force of the Country.
These are the general outlines of the plan which the late Deputy Superintendant General designed to submit to the consideration of His Excellency the Commander in Chief and which I now beg leave to present to Your Honor.
I have the Honor to be
Sir &c.
P. R. P. Selbx.
His Honor Peter Russell, Esqr., &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed:
In Mr. Presd. Russell's No. 57 of 19th February 1799.
[ Q 286-1, p 87 ]
JOSEPH BRANT TO PETER RUSSELL, ESQ.
Grand River, January 27th 1799.
Sir,
I take the opportunity to acquaint Your Honor that those two men I sent for intelligence to the Western Country have returned; they went no farther than at the Huron Village where they met
188 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
the different chiefs of the different tribes, particular the Delawares from the White Eiver, which I intended they should go as far, there found it was needless for them to go any farther, for they learned of those chiefs every thing, which transactions was going on at present. There is a party sent out to the Mississippi that will return in the Spring early, where they suppose the French are.
Those Delawares and others think there is in reality a number of the French now among the Southern Indians which from the best information we can get from them is; their design is certainly to advance to this quarter.
Likewise the Shawanese Chiefs think it highly necessary for us (the fivjs nations) to attend a Council with them in the Spring at the Huron Village to renew our Confederacy.
They are apprehensive of the French insinuation with the South- ern Indians as well as Western which they fear will set them in confusion with the different tribes. The Shawanese Chiefs inform- ing me that lately the Otawa Chief (called the Otter) told them that he expected the War Hatchet to be brought to them m a short { time from Lower Canada round by Mackinac this hatchet (we call) [ I suppose goes under ground Sir, the foregoing is just as I received | it from the young men which I sent out.
Your Honor may Judge as you think proper — as for my part I think the French are busy among the Indians and they will if pos- sible invade the country.
I am fearful that our best Western Friends will move farther off from us on account of this French insinuation, and some new arrangements took place in the Indian department which they are not acquainted with — they seem to be Jealous.
I think that Government should see into it, or else if the French should have success in their proceedings, the interests of the Indians will be too late to expect any good from them.
I hope Your Honor will not think that I mean to dictate or intrude on Government concerns. I merely say these words from what my opinion is.
I have the honor to be &c.
Jos. Brant.
To His Honor Peter Russell, &ca., President.
Endorsed:
In Genl. Prescott's No. 98. To the Dnke of Portland of; 5 March 1799.
J. BABY TO LIEUT. GOV. SIMCOE.
189
J. BABY TO LT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE.
To His Excellency John Graves Simcoe, Esquire, &c. &c. &c.
Most Honoured Sir,
I feel a very great mortification every time I reflect that I have been guilty of neglect towards a character who has shewn me such kindness and benevolence. My neglect I acknowledge and must beg forgiveness of it; but it should ever have proceeded from ingratitude, I cannot bear the thought, and hope Your Excellency never har- boured such an idea of me. My heart is too great a stranger to it, and too sensibly impressed with the many marks of tenderness, Your Excellency has bestowed on me. Be therefore assured, most Honored Sir, I shall never lose the sense of them as long as I will live.
The apprehension entertained of an invasion in this Country, by the present Enemies of Great Britain, gives us a ray of hope that Your Excellency's noted abilities, may, once more, afford us the sat- isfaction of seeing you in this Province. None certainly should more than myself, rejoice at an event so wished for by many.
Your Excellency will, probably, have heard, before this reaches you, the loss this place has met with, by the death of Colonel McKee who was carried away after two or three days illness, on the 14th ultimo. The memory of such a respectable man must b© sincerely regretted.
After what I have experienced from Your Excellency's Indulgence, I am emboldened to address myself to you, and implore your credit towards obtaining for myself the vacancy left by this unexpected accident, provided it should be thought necessary to look for any one out of the Indian Department.
Your Excellency, may, perhaps, recall to mind, that a few years past, I was pointed out to His Excellency Lord Dorchester, for that Employment, although, I beg leave to pledge my word, I had not taken a single step in the measure. Should my request meet with your Excellency's approbation, I trust I shall meet with success in my application. I must frankly confess, that should I not soon obtain some emolument, I do not know where to look, and am put to my last shifts, as my yearly attendance at Council, which deranged me much in my line, as well as the change that was to have taken place [ and has since ] on the other side of these waters, compelled me to leave off my usual business several years ago. Your Excellency should be acquainted that I removed from
190 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
my abode, at Detroit, as early as the Fall of the year 1795, in consequence of the cession. I might add, that the young and numerous family my father left, which fell to my care, has greatly contributed to my present exigency.
I shall say no more, but will entreat your pardon for this tedious detail, which I solely give, to convince Your Excellency of my real distress, and the need I stand in of a generous and powerful advocate and protector.
Permit me to rejoice at the prosperity which has attended Your Excellency since your departure from this Country, for the continu- ation of which I will always pray and do me the honor to believe me with the greatest respect
Your Excellency's
most obedient & obliged servant
J. Baby.
H. B. Member of the Executive Council, Upper Canada.
Detroit, Sandwich Side, February 2d 1799. [ Q 286-2, p 428 ]
PETER RUSSELL, ESQ., TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
[No. 57.]
Upper Canada, York, 19th Feby 1799.
My Lord Duke,
I have the Honor to inform Your Grace that, when I sent the late Mr. McKee's directions to keep a watchful eye over the Indian Movements in the neighbourhood of the Fox & the Ouisconsin Eivers, I desired him at the same time to transmit me without delay his U Ideas respecting the measures most likely to defeat the Designs of the 1^ Enemy, should they actually propose to invade this^ Province from j the side of the Mississippi. Having therefore just received, in a letter from Mr. Selby (Secretary to the Indian Department in Upper Canada), the late Deputy Superintendant General's sentiments on the subject I had recommended to his serious consideration, which lie had committed to writing a few days before his death ; I judge it to be my duty to transmit a copy thereof for Your Grace's Information, as it appears to me to suggest very salutary (tho expensive) Precautions, and a judicious disposition of our Indian Force, should the future state of circumstances ever call for the use of them. Nothing indeed strikes me at present as necessary in
GEN. PRESCOTT TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
1*91
addition, expect a small armed vessel or two to cruise early in the Huron, which being in my opinion a probable means of shutting that Door I have humbly presumed to mention to the Commander in Chief in the dispatch which covered a copy of Mr. Selby's letter.
I have the honor to be with the greatest respect, My Lord, Your Graces
Most obedient &
Most Humble Servant
Petee Russell.
His Grace the Duke of Portland, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: Upper Canada, 19 Feby 1799. Mr. Pres. Bassell. E. 29 June. By the Weymouth Packet. No. 57. (One Inclosure.)
[ Q 286-1, p 85 ]
gen. ROBT. PRESCOTT TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
[No. 98.]
Quebec, 5th March 1799.
My Lord,
Since I had the honor of writing to Your Grace on the 4th of last month, I have received information from Mr. President Kussell of the death of Mr. McKee deputy superintendant general of Indian Affairs, and of his having thereupon issued a temporary commission appointing James Baby and Alexander Grant Esquires (Members of His Majesty's Executive Council of Upper Canada) together with Captain Thomas McKee, son of the deceased, to execute the oflSce of deputy Superintendant General until further orders "or until the ' ''arrival of Sir John Johnson in that Province may render their *'exercise of it unnecessary."
Mr. Eussell at the same time informs me that "he has received *'a letter from Captain Brant communicating some interesting intelli- *'gence with which his runners had just returned from the Huron **Village, and intimating that the Western Indians have been shaken *'in their attachment to us by french influence, and are discontented *'at the late alterations in the Indian Department, which they are ** jealous of. He (Brant) seems likewise of opinion that they mean to *'attack this Province in the Spring in expectation of being followed *'and supported by a body of french troops which they suppose to */be now ascending the Mississippi."
192
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Mr. Russell inclosed me a copy of Brant's letter, and I have the honor to enclose a copy thereof to Your Grace herewith.
Mr. Russell is also making preparatory arrangements for defend- ing this Province in case of its being attacked.
Although as I mentioned in my former letters to Your Grace, I have no doubt that the French have been endeavouring by Emis- saries to influence the Western Indians in their favour; and although I consider it unquestionably proper for arrangements to be planned, for making a defence in case of need; yet I must confess that I cannot entertain any very serious apprehensions of danger, unless the French should actually send a considerable Force to co-operat» with those of the Indians whom they may have so influenced : neither does it appear to me that such a force could come up the River Mississippi without much diflSculty, or without its being early known to the Government of the American States, in which case all would naturally be communicated to me by Mr. Listen before the approach of any serious danger, my not having received any such information from that quarter, nor from any of the officers commanding at the different posts in the Upper Country, naturally leaves it somewhat doubtful how far Brant's intelligence may be well founded; and from these considerations it does not appear to me to be altogether improbable, that Brant may be actuated in a considerable measure by a desire of encreasing his importance in the eyes of the people of the Upper Province.
I thought it my duty, on receiving Mr. Russell's letter, to direct Sir John Johnson to proceed to Upper Canada, in his quality of Superintendant General of Indian Affairs, and to inform himself fully of the actual state and disposition of the Indians, both there and in the Western Country; Sir John has accordingly proceeded thither, and has offered his most zealous services in a military capa- city should circumstances render them necessary.
I have likewise communicated the intelligence I have received to Mr. Listen, requesting the favour of him to give me the earliest Information of any force that the French may be preparing on the Mississippi. When I receive an account from him & from Sir John Johnson, I shall be better able to form a judgement with respect to the degree of danger that may or may not be reasonably appre- hended. I must however confess that an augmentation of regular force for the defence of these Provinces would be exceedingly desirable, in case the other branches of His Majesty's Service should admit of it.
GEN. PRESCOTT TO THE DUKE OP PORTLAND. 193
■
Brant's allusions to the alterations in the Indian Department (which he mentions to have given discontent to the Indians and rendered them jealous) will require to be explained before I under- take to lay a statement thereof before Your Grace. That the Indians have never been perfectly satisfied with the alterations, is, I believe, true, and I do not think it altogether improbable that some incon- veniences may have arisen from the authority being partly vested in the person administering the government in the Upper Province, and partly in the Commander-in-Chief of the forces. How far that divi- sion of authority may on the whole have been found by experience to be attended with beneficial effects, I will not at present under- take to say. Perhaps the report that may be expected from Sir John Johnson may throw some light on the subject.
Mr. Eussell informs me in a separate letter, that Brant, in a private conversation with him, mentions the dismissal of Mr. Elliott as a circumstance that had given discontent to the Indians. But I have reason to believe that so far from being discontented on that account, they are much better satisfied than before.
Mr. Elliott has forwarded a Memorial* (dated the 20th of January last) asserting the uprightness of his intentions and conduct, and praying a further investigation thereof, in the hope of being re-instated, Brant, it seems, represents him as possessing the con- fidence of the Indians in a superior degree; but I have reason to doubt the truth of these representations.
I shall be better able to lay before Your Grace a statement of the temper and disposition of the Indians, and of the circumstances therewith connected, when I receive Sir John Johnson's report on the subject.
With respect to the vacancy occasioned by the death of Mr. McKee, I think it my duty to recommend to Your Grace's consid- eration Captain William Claus the present senior Superintendant. Exclusive of any pretensions which he might be induced to enter- tain in his own mind in consequence of the services of his Grand- father, the late Sir Wm. Johnson, of his father the late Colonel Claus, who served thirty odd years in the Military and Indian Departments — or of his own services of twenty years; the circum- stance of the Indians entertaining a very high respect and venera- tion for the memory of his Grandfather and Father, together with X great personal regard and attachment to himself appears to me ;o be of very considerable weight. His having likewise (in addition
*For memorial see page 178. 25
194
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
to his other qualifications) been born and brought up as it were among the Indians, and possessing an activity and disposition pecu- liarly pleasing to that sort of people will, I have reason to believe, render his succession to the office of the late Mr. McKee more sat- isfactory to all the Indian Nations, and more beneficial to His Majesty's Service (especially if the active services of the Indians should become necessary) than that of any other person I could recommend.
Should the propriety of appointing Capt Glaus to the office of Deputy Superintendant General lately held by Mr. McKee appear to Your Grace in the light I have mentioned, I will beg leave to recommend Captain Hector Maclean of the second battalion of Royal Canadian Volunteers to succeed to the office of Superintendant now held by Capt. Claus: The uprightness and integrity of Capt. Maclean's conduct in checking the abuses in the Indian department at Amherstburg, appears to me to merit consideration; and if approved of by Your Grace I have reason to believe that His Majesty's Ser- vice will derive advantage from his appointment. The place of Superintendant formerly held by Mr. Elliott remains at present ! vacant, but His Majesty's Service has not hitherto suffered on that : account.
1 have the honor to be My Lord
Your Grace's most obedient
and most humble Servant
RoBT. Prescott.
His Grace the Duke of Portland.
Endorsed: Quebec, 5th March 1799. General Prescott. E. 29 May. By the Harlequin Packett. No. 98. (One inclosure.)
[ Q 82, p 238 ]
(
I
PETER RUSSELL, ESQ., TO JAMES BABY, ALEX. GRANT AND CAPT. THOMAS
MC KEE.
York, 14 March 1799.
Gentlemen,
Sir John Johnson the Superintendent General and Inspector Gen- eral of Indians and Indian Affairs in both the Canadas being novi arrived here to take upon him the direction of that part of the
PETER RUSSELL TO SIR JOHN JOHNSON.
195
Indian Department which belongs to this Province. I have the Honor to inform you that the powers vested in you by the Com- mission I sent you in my letter dated the 2d Ulto are thereby superseded. You will therefore be pleased to consider them to have ceased and determined from the day on which you shall receive this letter; and that my commission appointing you jointly to exer- cise the office of Deputy Superintendent General of Indians and Indian Affairs in Upper Canada during His Majesty's pleasure is hereby withdrawn.
I have in consequence to apologise to you for the trouble I have been constrained to give upon this occasion — and to request your acceptance of my thanks for the services you may have rendered to His Majesty during this very short continuance of your office.
I have the Honor to be Gentlemen with the most profound con- sideration & regard Yours &c. &c.
^ Peter Kussell.
Hon. James Baby & Alexr. Grant, Esqr., and Capt. Thomas McKee.
Endorsed: Letter from Mr. President Russell to Messrs. Grant, Baby and McKee, 14 March 1799. 2. In Mr. Presd. Russell's No. 58 of 25 April 1799. 5.
[ Q 286-1, p 97 ]
PETER RUSSELL, ESQ., TO SIR JOHN JOHNSON.
Sir, York, 14th March 1799.
I most gladly avail myself of your arrival in this Province to request you will have the goodness to take upon you the entire direction of His Majesty's Indian concerns in it, and proceed to the immediate execution of any measures which you may judge requisite to be taken at the present crisis for promoting the King's Service as you may be assured of their receiving my sanction whenever that may be necessary.
As I judge my Commission; to Messrs. Baby, Grant and Mr. McKee authorising them to exercise the vacant office of Depy Superintendant General of Indians and Indian affairs in the Prov- ince to be now no longer necessary. I have the honor to inform you that I have withdrawn it — and directed those Gentlemen to cease acting in that capacity after they shall receive the letter I have this day written them to that effect. It appearing from the Gov- ernor General's letter to you of the 18 ulto that His Excellency donsiders Captain Claus to be the most eligible person to succeed
196
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
to the late Col. MoKee's office of Deputy SuperiDtendant General, and that he means to recommend him for it. I am happy in add- ing my approbation of his exercising the functions thereof in this Province until His Majesty's pleasure can be known. You will therefore be pleased to send him to Amherstburg in that capacity whenever you may judge his presence to be necessary in that Quarter.
I have the Honor to be &c
Peter Kussell.
Honble Sir John Johnson, Bart.
Endorsed: Copy Letter.
Mr. President Eussell to Sir John Johnson, Bart, 14 March 1799. In Mr, Pres. Enssell's No. 58 of 25 April 1799. 3.
[Q 286-1, p 95]
PETER RUSSELL, ESQ., TO SIR JOHR JOHNSON.
York, 5 April 1799.
Sir,
An Express arrived here last night with a letter to me from the Commissioners for exercising the office of Deputy Superintendt General, dated the 18th Ulto, my answer to which I judge proper to do myself the Honor of addressing to you as you are probably now at Amherstburg. And my commission to those Gentlemen has been withdrawn.
I am extremely happy in being confirmed by Mr. McKenzie's report in the opinion I had entertained of the fidelity of the Intelli- gence given to Capt Glaus by Delaware Aaron's son. But as it was detailed in a very connected manner and contained circum- stances which seemed to correspond with the confidential Informa- tion I had received from the Duke of Portland, and General Col- lots transactions among the Western Indians of which I had received notice from General Prescott it became my duty not to slight it, and I have only to regret the trouble which the notice I took of it has occasioned to you, Sir, of a Journey to this Province at so inhospitable a season. The Bill on me from the Commissioners in favor of Mr. McKenzie shall be honored whenever it appears.
I leave it entirely, Sir, to your better judgement to endeavor to trace to its source or not the Indians motive for inventing the Tale of a Belt shewn to him by the Ottawa Chief, which it now
PETER RUSSELL TO SIR JOHN JOHNSON.
197
appears the latter never received — And Capt McLean and the Com- missioners intimate to me that he was not even seen by him while he was in the Shawenese Camp. Suspicions are also entertained that the story was invented to answer some interested purpose or other and the Otter is of opinion that it originated in this quarter. I own I am therefore urged by somewhat more than curiosity to wish a discovery could be made of the nail which was proposed to be driven by it, but should you judge it more prudent to let the matter drop I shall readily acquiesce.
As I think we may now conclude that nothing hostile is at pres- ent likely to fall on this Province from the westward — no necessity exists for our requesting the Shawanese and the other Indian Nations who seem decided as to their going from their present place of residence in the neighbourhood of Amherstburg to alter their Intentions. As the great expence of feeding them should they be detained there by us may be as well avoided.
I have written to Capt McLean relative to the impropriety of cutting timber on the Huron Eeserve contrary to the will of the Indian proprietors who would I am persuaded if properly, applied to readily permit any quantity wanted for the King's works to be taken from thence upon their receiving a consideration for it. I beg leave therefore to submit to you the propriety of speaking to them on the subject. Lieut Governor Simcoe had some years ago requested the Commander in Chief to direct measures to be taken for the purchase of this Eeserve — but objections having been then made to it, the subject was dropt. Capt McLean now suggests that a part of it is very much wanted for the convenience of his Gar- rison. I am therefore to request you will be pleased to enquire into the circumstance; and if you see no impropriety in the meas- ure that you will sound the Wyandotts respecting their inclination to part with the whole or part of that Lot for the purposes which Capt McLean mentions. But no encroachments on their Territory are to be suffered, and they ought to be satisfied — ^for whatever Timber Capt McLean may have caused to be taken from their Land. I have the Honor to be &c.
Peter Eussell.
The Honble Sir John Johnson, Bart.
Endorsed: Letter.
Mr. President Russell to Sir John Johnson, Bart, 5 April 1799. In Mr. President Russell's No. 58 of 25 April 1799. 4.
[ Q 286-1, p 99 ]
198
COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS.
PETER RUSSELL, ESQ., TO CAPT. HECTOR MO LEAN.
Sir, York, April 5 1799.
I was last night favored with your letter dated the 20th Ulto. and am much obliged by the pains you have taken to investigate the Truth of the intelligence I transmitted to you in my letter of the 10th. The result has only confirmed me in what I suspected before that it was the old story dished up in a different form to answer some interested purpose, but I could not suspect that the Indian who gave the Intelligence to Capt Claus in so circumstantial and connected a manner had derived it from no other source than his own invention. I consider it however to be my duty not to slight any intelligence likely to affect the safety of the Province under my charge, especially when it related to movements from a quarter which I am particularly directed by the King's Ministers to watch with a zealous eye. Upon this principle I directed the Deputy Superintendant General to send trusty spies thither for the purpose of bringing me true Information of what was going on there. And I have so much confidence in the Prudence and wisdom of the Gentlemen whom I commissioned to execute this office that I am persuaded in fulfilling my orders they have not exposed Govern- ment to any unnecessary expence.
The Commissioners have transmitted to me an Extract from Your letter to Capt. McKee dated the 14th Ulto relative to some pickets you have cut for the use of the Garrison on the Huron Eeserve and the substance of a Council lately desired by the Wyandotts on the occasion. From whence I am to infer that they are not pleased with this encroachment on what they judge to be their Territory. I dare say what has been done is of little or no consequence but Indians are naturally jealous & disposed to complain of the most trifling Invasion of their property. Therefore if they sell their timber to others for the lowest consideration as you represent, I should suppose it would not be difficult to bargain with them upon equally easy Terms for whatever may be wanted by the Engineer for the works at Amherstburg. And you will consequently pardon me for suggesting this mode to you in preference to any other. As the Indians will be then perfectly content and confirmed in the opinions which I hope they entertain of the justice of the British Government.
As I wrote to Sir John Johnson by this opportunity I shall mention to him what you suggest relative to the purchase of the
CAPT. JOSEPH BRANT TO PETER RUSSELL. 199
vacant land in the vicinity of Amherstburg. This the Lieut. Gov- ernor made a Requisition for to the Commander in Chief sometime since, but was refused.
His Excellency may however be now perhaps more inclined to listen to such a proposal.
I have the honor to be &ca.
Capt. Hector McLean.
Endorsed:
Letter from Mr. President Russell to Capt. Hector McLean, 5 April 1799, inclosed in the letter to Sir John Johnson. 4.
[ Q 286-1, p 102 ]
CAPT. JOSEPH BRANT TO PETER RUSSELL, ESQ.
Grand River, April 10th 1799.
Sib,
I have the Honor to acknowledge the Receipt of your letter on the Evening of the 2d Inst, and according to your desire have sent two young men after Sir John Johnson but they cannot well overtake him on this side of Detroit.
I am happy to find by your Honor's letter that there are no Bodies of Indians assembled near the Mississippi nor any descent of French Troops to Support an attack on this Country.
Since the time we heard of French Insinuations being among the Indians I have apprehended and still apprehend that they might by them be induced to resent the disgustful treatment they have received should any support be given them; if it was only arms and ammu- nition. This was that in the late war they were asked to assist which they did, at the peace they were left in the lurch to fight alone till they could procure a peace for themselves, after repeat- edly defeating the armies of the United States; so that they sent Commissioners to endeavour to get peace; They were then so advised as prevented them listening to any terms hopes were given to them of assistance and a Fort was huilt in their Country under pretence of giving refuge in time of necessity, but when that time arrived the Gates were shut against them as Enemies; & they were doubly injured by this, because they were taught to rely on it for sup- port, and were deceived, had it not been for this Relyance of mutual support their Plan of conduct to oppose the Enemy would have been different. These are the reasons that have caused my
200
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
apprehensions and as we are uncertain of what Events may take place they still remain.
I remember that at the conclusion of the French War 1760, Sir William Johnson & Genl. Amherst had a great dispute concerning the Indians. The latter thought as their services were no more wanted, nor any more to be apprehended from the French then being conquered, that it was needless to pay no attention to them, and only a useless expence; while the former insisted it was still necessary to pay the usual attention to them as it was uncertain how soon Events might happen that woiild demand their assistance & friendship, he gained the argument and the consequence was he secured the friendship of the Indians to the King, which tho' not then expected was wanted before many years, that is when the Kebellion broke out. Then the English might have lost all America had it not been for the friendship & assistance of the Indtans; and so he proved to be the best Polititian, tho' this argument is not intended to shew he was a better friend to the Indians; yet it certainly demonstrates that he had a just foresight of what would tend to the Interest of the King's Service, and in my opinion there is greater reason now to apprehend danger than there then was; for since that time the Americans have become independent States, and many Events might happen which renders it still more necessary now than it was at that time not to fall short of pay- ing the same attention to Indians that has hitherto been customary.
I hope your Honor will not think by what I have said that I mean to dictate any thing to Government; for it seems to me but right that I should let you know my thoughts on this subject which has given Your Honor some apprehensions lately and besides I think myself interested in the safety and wellfare of this Country for should it be attacked I must unavoidably bear a part of the trouble and Danger.
I shall now inform Your Honor of the Resolutions our Brethren the Missagues and us have made respecting the Count de Pinsaye. When we found it was in the cause of Loyalty this nobleman and his unfortunate followers had suffered, it called to our Remem- brance what we ourselves had suffered in the same cause; after I learned from you that you had no better place to give them than the remote lands where I saw him, we thought it was our duty to do something more than sympathising only with our fellow suf- ferers and therefore came tu a determination of presenting him with five miles in front along the Lake next to my Land ; but
PETER RUSSELL TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
201
the depth of the extent back is not yet determined. This we flat- ter ourselves cannot well fail of giving satisfaction to Your Honor — as the Council thought the space between the Beach and York without Settlements too large for the convenience of traveling. This Transaction will greatly remove that difficulty as this part of it will be immediately settled; and that by firm loyalists who have fought and suffered in the cause of Loyalty who may be a sup- port to the Country in the time of necessity, and of whom we can have no suspicions, as we have reason to have of the too great Intrusion of Yankees, that we know have been nurtured up in Eebellion.
At the time we heard you were going to purchase that Country we could not comprehend any great need Government had of it, but now we are happy to befriend a sufferer in the same cause we ourselves suffered with as great a part of it as can be spared & think it will add to the convenience of the Country as the dis- tance then remaining between the settlements will be but incon- siderable and there will still be a place for a House of a mile or half a mile square at the Sixteen Mile Creek for the further accom- modation of Travellers; but the Indians have too great an attach- ment for their old Country to dispose of any more.
I have the honor &c.
Joseph Brant.
His Honor the President, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: Copy of a Letter from Captain Joseph Brant to Mr. President Bassell. Grand Eiver, 10th April 1799.
In Mr. President Bnssell's No. 58 of 25 April 1799. 2.
[ Q 286-1, p 105 ]
PETER RUSSELL, ESQ., TO THE DUKE OF PORTLAND.
[No. 58.]
Upper Canada, York, 25th April 1799.
My Lord Duke,
As the Commission I had given to Messrs. Baby, Grant, and Mr. McKee to exercise the Functions of Deputy Superintendant General of Indian Affairs in this Province was merely temporary & not intended to continue in force longer than until the arrival in it of the Superintendant General or until I should receive His Majesty's pleasure therein; I judged proper to withdraw my Commission to those Gentlemen immediately after Sir John Johnson's arrival here, and to 26
202
COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS.
request him to take upon himself the entire Direction of His Ma- jesty's Indian concerns in Upper Canada. And it appearing from a letter which Sir John Johnson shewed to me from General Pres- cott that His Excellency proposed recommending Captain Claus (the Superintendant of the Niagara District) to succeed the late Mr. McKee as Deputy Superintendant General of Indian Affairs in the two Canadas, I gave my permission to Sir John Johnson to employ him ad Interim in that capacity in this Province. Copies of my letters are inclosed herewith for Your Grace's Information.
I have likewise the Honor of inclosing the copy of a letter 1 wrote to Sir John Johnson on the 5th Instant, and copies of a letter I have received from Captain Brant & of my letter to him of this date in answer. By the first Your Grace will observe that the Information given by Captain Brants Runners (whom he had sent to the Westward for Intelligence) was totally unfounded; and the others may enable Your Grace to form some Judgement of the difficult card I have to play with that chief who I am appre- hensive has objects in contemplation beyond my present power of discovering — Your Grace may however be assured that I shall use the utmost caution in my transactions with him, and temporize in such a way as not to provoke him to acts of Intemperance on the one hand, nor to loosen the Respect he owes to His Majesty's Government on the other.
I have the honor to be With the greatest Respect My Lord
Your Grace's most obedient & most humble servant
Peter Russell.
His Grace the Duke of Portland.
Endorsed: Upper Canada, 25th April 1799.
Mr. Presd. Ruesell. ' R. 17th September by the Topaze Frigate No. 58. Ansd 4th Octr. (5 Inclosures.)
[ Q 286-1, p 93 ]
OBSERVATIONS ON THE TRADE OF UPPER CANADA.
The Trade carried on by the Province of Lower Canada through the Province of Upper Canada in the Territory of the United States about Detroit, and towards the Illinois and Mississippi forms one of the most considerable Branches of its Commerce, and may be com- puted to amount to about one hundred thousand pounds Province Currency annually as may be seen by the Documents No 1 & 2
OBSERVATIONS ON UPPER CANADA TRADE.
203
hereto annexed, which are calculated upon a very moderate average and are sufficiently accurate to shew that the preservation of this Trade, which appears also from the annexed Keturns to be still enoreasing, merits very serious attention.
The goods furnishd for this Trade consist of British Manufac- ture, Wines and the produce of the West India Islands, all which according to the Table of American duties would be liable to pay from 25 to 50 cents per gallon on spirits, from 20 to 56 cents on Wines — 9 cents per pound on loaf sugar — 5 cents per pound on coffee — 15 per cent ad valorem on arms. Leather and several arti- cles, 12f per cent on others; and not less than 10 pr. cent on any — as may be more particularly seen by referring to the Law of Con- gress— compared with this our scale of duties is low indeed, limited at present to a very few articles and will we presume never be extended to those of British Manufacture which greatly exceed in value all the other articles employed in this Trade. Admitting therefore for a moment that we received from the United States, articles to an equal amount with those we send into their Territory; and that the duties were collected on each side agreeably to the Treaty ; it is evident that the balance would be very greatly against us.
But this equality in the Trade is far from existing, that what we receive from the States is really almost nothing. It is notorious that no established Mercantile house in the States hath yet engaged in this Trade. The few articles which are brought are generally brought by adventurers who seldom appear a second time, and so far from having lost anything by the American Treaty, the Trade of this Country has visibly encreased by that mutual and unre- strained Intercourse which has taken place between the Americans and us in consequence of this Treaty. It is demonstrated from the Eeturns of the officer at Coteau du Lac that a very large augmentation has been made to the exports of even Kum and Sugar, almost the only articles in which any competition was to be feared. The demand for goods of all kinds from this Province must further increase with the progress of the American settle- ments which are forming along the south side of the Eiver St Laurence and the Lakes. The natural, we may indeed say the only outlet for all the produce of these settlements is by the Kiver St. Laurence, whose waters are sufficient to carry the largest Eafts of Lumber to the sea ports of this Province and this lumber which is of itself a valuable article of commerce may at the same time be made a vehicle for transporting their wheat Flour and Pot Ash
204
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
to a Market. This by the way of Oswego is impracticable; for besides the impossibility of going against the current in the Oswego Eiver, no Eafts could be got through Wood creek; and there is moreover the Land carriage from Schenectady to Albany. That this Lumber and Surplus Produce will be exchanged here may be fairly presumed because all other things being equal, such exchange |
would be in the natural order of Trade. But there are in this case II
[i
other Inducements; for the high duties in the United States must [I
necessarily make the different articles there dearer than here and |j
they can besides be transported at one third of the expence from Ij
Montreal to Kingston that it would cost to bring them from Albany |
to Oswego the carriage of a Barrel of three hundred weight being jj
in the one case usually but from three to three and a half Dol- Ij
lars and in the other from Nine to Ten Dollars. Could the United ;
States enforce the collection of their Atlantic Duties on our inland 1;
Commerce with their Territory they must necessarily act as a jj
Bounty to take the Trade from us and turn it into their own Chan- |
nels, or at best we should have to pay a pound where we could ||
collect a penny. It is therefore evidently and greatly for the advan- t
tage of these two Provinces for Lower Canada in a greater degree i
than for us, that our Commercial Intercourse with the United j
States by way of the Lakes should be left unincumbered with the cus- ;
tom house Establishments & Restrictions. But it will perhaps be said j
that we have no security that the Government of America will i! allow it to remain so. This is certainly true, and it is so much
for their Interest that they should not; that they can have been i
passive on the occasion from no other motive than the difficulty '
or rather the impossibility which is common to them and us of i
enforcing the collection of Duties under the relative Geographical I
situation of the two Countries, which are separate from each other i)
only by a chain of Lakes and Rivers of several hundred leagues U
in extent, rendered by Treaty equally free to both parties. But |
as we should lose more than we can well calculate were they to 0
make the experiment, it does not seem consistent with common i prudence for us, by first adopting the measure to provoke them to it; and it would be great weakness to suppose that they Avould not immediately retaliate.
[ Q 286-1, p 119 ]
OBSERVATIONS ON UPPER CANADA TRADE.
205
No. 1.
Note of Merchandize and Rum form Montreal which passed ' the Niagara portage in 1797 consigned to merchants residing on the American side of the River at Detroit vizt.
Gals.
1213 Barrels of Liquor averaged a 36 galls eais 43,668
2611 numbered packages of merchandize valued by the owners 1
at a general Estimate when delivered there at X20 Pro v. \ <£55,220
currency each J
261 Barrels salt 4 minots ea is 1344 minots.
These are exclusive of the goods for Michilimackinac. The quantity of goods is certainly encreased this season tho neither this nor the Rum for this year can yet be ascertained.
R. Hamilton.
QuEENSTOWN, 24 September 1798.
No. 2.
Value of Returns in Peltries from the American Territory for the year 1797.
2616 Packs of Peltries from Detroit passed the Niagara Portage in that year by an account received from Robert Hamilton Esq.
3216 were collected at Michilimackinac agreeable to an accot fur- nished by Mr. Robert Dickson. 5826 Total, which taken at the very moderate average of <£15 curry per pack amounts to X87,390 and it is well known that very considerable remittances have been made in Bills of Exchange and Bank Bills of the United States.
Richard Cartwright.
No. 3.
Packs from Detroit transported over the Niagara Portage vizt.
in the year 1796 - 1910 in 1797 - 2616 do ■ 1798 to 24 Sep. 2704
QuEENSTOWN, 24th September 1798.
E. Hamilton.
206
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
The Packs from Miohilimaokinao for these different years cannot be easily ascertained as many of them are sent by the Grand River:
Eadorsed: Observations on the Trade of Upper Canada, &c. A comparative view of the articles of Commerce paying duty at Quebec that have passed into this Province in the years 1797 & 1798.
In Mr. Presd. Enssell's No. 60 of 18 May 1799. 3.
[ Q 286-1, p 123 ]
SIR JOHN JOHNSON TO LT. GEN. HUNTEE.
Montreal, 16th December 1799.
Sir,
I have the honor to Report to Your Excellency, the arrival of Lieut Colonel Connolly, by whom I am honored with a Letter, from General His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, ordering me to supercede any Person who may have been placed, ad Interim, by General Prescott, to the situation lately held in the Indian Depart- ment, by the late Colonel McKee, and to order that Lieut Colonel Connolly should be obeyed, in every respect as Colonel McKee was.
I must here beg leave to remark that Colonel McKee, was born and brought up among the Indians and from his connection with them, became possessed of every qualification necessary to render him useful to His Majesty's Service in that Line, he was there- fore upwards of thirty years ago, appointed a Deputy Agent of Indian Affairs, by the late Sir William Johnson, with the appro- bation of the then Commander in Chief, in which situation he continued to act under the late Guy Johnson, Superintendant ^ of Indian Affairs, 'til they were forced to fly their Country in \ consequence of the late Revolution in America, from which time I he continued to act at Detroit, 'til Lord Dorchester, conceiving it necessary for the good of the Kings service, as well as to reward his long and faithful] services, was pleased during my absence in England in 1796, to appoint him Deputy Superintendant General of Indian Affairs which afforded very great satisfaction to the Indians, who were strongly attached to him, not only from his knowledge of them, their Language &ca, but from an uncommon goodness of disposition, Patience, and every other quality so essen- tially necessary in the management of those People, from all of
SIR JOHN JOHNSON TO LIEUT. GEN. HUNTER.
207
which circumstances he was, chearfully obeyed by all in a subor- dinate situation under him, and his Influence among the Indians was, as might reasonably be expected very great. Your Excellency will therefore I presume agree in opinion with me, that it would be highly necessary for the good of the King's service, that the Person appointed to succeed him, should at least possess some of those essential requisites, which it cannot be presumed Lieut Colonel Donnelly does, and I am sorry, as I think it my duty, to be under the necessity of declaiming he does not, though he possesses talents that might render him useful in any other Line of Service.
Notwithstanding the pain it must give me to carry into Execution His Eoyal Highnesses commands, it gives me real concern, that from the system of Indian affairs last adopted, I am not vested with powers adequate to the immediate execution of them, I there- fore think it my duty to transmit herewith, a copy of His Royal Highnesses letter to me, and beg to receive Your Excellency's Instructions thereon for my guidance.
At the same time I think it njy duty, and no more than I owe to Captains Claus and McKee to state that from the present criti- cal situation of Indian Affairs owing to a dissatisfaction that has long prevailed among them, from a variety of causes, partly explained, and from which they have but lately been diverted by the address of the Gentlemen of the Department, particularly of Captains Claus and Mr. McKee, to whom all the Nations are greatly attached, not only from a veneration they bear for the memory of their fathers, who had served the King upwards of thirty years, in the Military Indian Line, and had sacrificed very large properties in support of His Majesty's cause, in the late unfortunate American War, and in a very particular manner for the uncommon affection and regard they retain for the memory of the Grand Father of Captain Claus, the late Sir Wm. Johnson, but from their attachment to themselves personally, having been born and brought up among them, under- standing their Languages Customs and Manners and having served with them on every occasion from the commencement of the late war, to the present time, with honor and credit to themselves, and benefit to the Public service, which cannot but be known to Your Excellency. It would I humbly presume have been as fortunate, as it appears to be necessary, that General Prescott's recommendation had taken place, or that one of those gentlemen had been appointed, as I would be at a loss to point out any other Persons, with the least pretensions to so important an olBSce.
208
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
I beg leave further to state to Your Excellency, that in conse- quence of General Prescott's and Mr. President Kussell's letters to me of the 18th February and 14th March* last, herewith enclosed, I ordered Captain Claus on the 23rd March, to accompany me to Amherstburg, there to take upon himself the duties of the office of Deputy Superintendant General of Indian Affairs, vacant by the death of Colonel McKee, since which time he has continued to act, in that station, in full confidence from his pretensions, and the strong recommendations in his favor, that he would have been con- firmed in that office.
This second disappointment will be the more severely felt by him as Your Excellency may very readily conceive from the inclosed letter from Mr. Nepeau, dated the 4th of April 1788, as he was then in consequence of Sir Frederic Haldimand's representation to His Majesty recommended by Lord Sydney, to the Lords of the Treas- ury for the appointment mentioned by Mr. Nepeau, with a salary of X500 pr. annum, which was afterwards prevented from taking place, by a report from Lord Dorchester who then recommended his mother for an annuity of £200 a year, but that also was laid aside, and never since took place.
Thus circumstanced and reduced, as they unfortunately are, from a state of affluence and Independence, by the early and decided part the whole of our family took in the late unfortunate Ameri- can War, I am emboldened to ask, and encouraged to hope, that Your Excellency will make such a Representation of these Preten- sions and disappointments as may induce His Royal Highness or the Government at home, to confirm Captain Claus in his present office, if not too late, or to grant to him, and his mother something adequate to what they have so long been thought to be entitled to, as I may presume from the documents now in Your Excel- lency's Possession.
I have the honor to be with great regard
Your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant
John Johnson.
To His Excellency Lieut. General Hunter, &ca. &ca. &ca.
Endorsed: No, 2.
In Lt. Genl. Hunter's No. 5 of 28 Deer. 1799.
[ Q 287-1, p 25 ]
*For President Russell's letter see p. 195.
PETER RUSSELL TO CAPT. M. ELLIOTT.
209
LT. GOV. J. G. SIMCOE TO CAPT. M. ELLIOTT.
London, April 9th 1800.
Sir,
Upon the receipt of your letter of the 2d of August 1799, I immediately transmitted it to Mr. Secretary King, & have recently had a personal Interview with him on that subject. I had always understood that the affairs of the Superintendants of the Indian Nations within the Province of Upper Canada, were solely entrusted to the management of the Persons Administering that Government, & were, no longer, under the cognizance of the Commander in Chief, accordingly, I was not in the least surprized when Mr. King stated to me that Lt. Governor Hunter was the Person to whom you ought to apply.
I flatter myself that Governor Hunter will pay a favourable atten- tion to your Eepresentations & that the Kesult will be the reestab- lishment in your oflBce, which you filled so entirely to my satisfac- tion while I was Lt. Governor of Upper Canada, heartily wishing you all happiness, I am Sir
Your very Humble Servant
J. G. SiMCOE.
Endorsed: No. 7.
Memorial of Mr. Elliott.
[ Q 299, p 314 ]
PETER RUSSELL, ESQ. TO CAPT. M. ELLIOTT.
York, 27th June 1801.
Sir,
It would be exceedingly improper for me in my present situation to write to the Duke of Portland on your subject tho' I have from the first considered you to be justly entitled to the public Enquiry into your conduct which you have so frequently and urgently solicited. But I. have already testified my readiness to contribute everything within my power towards obtaining for you that Enquiry by transmitting to General Prescott your Letters & Petitions praying for one as soon as I received them, and losing no time in conveying to His Excellency all the Testimonials sent me by the Deputy Superintendant General Colonel McKee of your i)robity & general good conduct, together with that oflBcers avowal 27
210 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
of your having acted under his special orders in making the return to Capt. McLean of the No of Indians to be victualled at Chenail Ecart6, which was the principal charge on which you was dis- missed by His Excellency. To this I can only add my firm belief that the Governor General might have been induced equally with myself to judge more favorable of your conduct on that occasion, had Time been given for the Enquiry into it to take place, which I had ordered to be instituted immediately upon my receiving his first letters respecting you. With my sincere wish that some means may be yet found to ease your mind of the oppression under which it labors, I profess myself to be
Sir your well wisher &
very faithful humble servant
Peter Russell.
Captain Matthew Elliott, late Superintendant of Indians for the District of Amherstburg.
Endorsed:
Papers Accompanying Mr. Elliott's Petition.
[ Q 299, p 306 ]
MEMORIAL OF CAPT. M. ELLIOTT. i
To the Right Honorable Earl Camden one of His Majesty's Princi- i pal Secretaries of State &c. &c. &c. |
The Memorial of Captain Matthew Elliot, late Superintendant of i Indian Affairs at Amherstburg in Upper Canada. Most humbly sheweth.
That your Memorialist has had the honor of serving His Majesty I upwards of Forty years, having commenced his Military Life in the p Army under General Bouquet in 1763. | j
That in 1776 he abandoned all his Property in the then North i American Colonies at the greatest Personal hazard and joined the j King's Forces at Detroit. j
That in consideration of his zeal and fidelity he was appointed a I Captain in the Western Indians, and served with them during the \ war. :
That in the year 1790 your Lordship's Memorialist was appointed I assistant agent of Indian Affairs and continued in that employment i until the year 1795 when in consideration of his past services, and 4
I I
MEMORIAL OF CAPT. M. ELLIOTT.
211
his influence among the Western Indi,ans, he received a commis- sion from the Governor General Lord Dorchester appointing him Superintendant of Indian Affairs for the Post of Amherstburg in Upper Canada and he solicits to annex hereto Testimonials of his general conduct and services when actually employed.
That in consequence of representations made in the year 1797, by Cfaptain Hector McLean of the late Corps of Royal Canadian Volunteers, at that time Commandant of the Post of Amherstburg, To His Excellency General Prescott, the Governor General; Your Memorialist was disgracefully dismissed the service, without being permitted to Justify his conduct or even to be heard in His ^defence, Altho' it was stated to the Governor General by Mr. President Russell whilst he administered the Government of Upper Canada and also by Petition of Your Humble Memorialist dated the 20th day of January 1799.* That your Memorialist had acted entirely under the written orders of the Deputy Superintendant General, the Colonel McKee, whom by his commission he was bound to obey.
That your Memorialist has, year after year Ineffectually devoted Ms time and his fortune to obtain an enquiry into his conduct and to rescue his character from the unmerited imputations conveyed by the Governor General's orders.
That in the prosecution of that object, your Memorialist has presented the several annexed Petitions and Memorials under a persuasion that some of the High Characters to whom they are addressed, would condescend to obtain for him an Impartial investigation of his conduct, but all his exertions to that end have been hitherto ineffectual.
That your Memorialist conscious of his Innocence and most sensi- bly feeling the severity of undeserved punishment and reproach thus appeals to the last hope of a faithful subject, by throwing himself at the feet of a Benevolent and Merciful Sovereign to Implore that Justice from His Royal Master which hath hitherto been denied him, and the more especially as your Memorialist has been repeat- edly informed after the many several applications he has made, "That His Majesty's approbation of Governor General Prescott having dismissed your Memorialist, had been signified to General Prescott by the late Secretary of State." Lieutenant General Hunter is thereby precluded from ordering any Investigation to take place upon the subject.
♦For Memorial see page 178.
212
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
That your Memorialist therefore with all humanity and respect earnestly entreats your Lordship to move His Majesty to take his case into his Eoyal consideration, That he will be pleased to per- mit and pardon this appeal to His acknowledged Equity and Good- ness and to suffer your Memorialist to vindicate his fame and estab- lish his Innocence before a Court Martial or such other Tribunal as to Your Lordship may seem meet. *
And Your Memorialist will ever pray &c. &c. &c.
MEMORIAL OF EDMUND BURKE.
To the Eight Honorable Lord Hobart one of His Majesty's princi- || pal Secretaries of State &c. &c. &c. Il
The humble Petition of Edmund Burke one of the Vicars Gen. of the Diocese of Quebec.
Most humbly sheweth. |
That in the month of September 1794 on the application of Lord I Dorchester then Governor General of British North America in | consequence of a requisition fronj His Excellency John Graves i Simcoe then Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, your Petitioner | was removed from the United Livings of St Peters and St Law- j rence in the Isle of Orleans by the Right Revd. John Francis Hubert then R. C. Bishop of Quebec to the River Raisin in the Miamis Country expressly to counteract the Machinations of Jacobin Emissaries, whose influence amongst the Settlers and numerous Tribes of surrounding Indians, might, not to say infallibly woud, have caused an Insurrection, the consequences of which might prove fatal to the King's 24th Regiment then stationed in the Forts of Detroit & the Miamis, about eighty miles distant one from the other, the strong settlement of the River Raisin midway between them.
That your Petitioner by persevering diligence and at the risque of his life happily succeeded in suppressing the flames which were already kindled by a resolution of the Settlers to refuse obedience to the Militia laws.
That on the Evacuation of the Western Posts agreeably to Treaty with the United States and consequent cession of that Territory, your Petitioner was offered the living of St. Anne comprehending the Town of Detroit and adjoining settlements on condition of becom-
MEMORIAL OF EDMUND BURKE.
213
iDg an American subject, which by the tenor of the Treaty he might have done.
That your Petitioner considering such a determination on his part a strong Inducement to many of the King's Loyal Subjects to imitate him & being particularly invited by His Excellency the then Lieutenant Govr. to return to the King's Government rejected the offer relying on the good faith and well known generosity of government for some provision for life in place of the living from which he had been removed.
That on his arrival in Quebec in the year 1796 on a statement of facts supported by the written testimony of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, of Alexander McKee Esq. Lieutenant of that County and Deputy Superintendant of Indian Affairs and Colonel England then Commandant of the Post, His Excellency Lieut. Genl. Prescott successor to Lord Dorchester granted your Lordship's Petitioner the sum of XlOO stg per annum as an indemnification for Losses sustained by his removal & a reward for his services & Loyalty.
That in the year 1801 your Petitioner was ordered by the Et. Kev. Peter Denault now R. C. Bishop of Quebec to return from Upper Canada and repair to Halifax Nova Scotia in order to quiet some differences then existing between the members of the R. C. Congregation in that city which your Lordship's Petitioner happily effected.
That in consequence of this removal from Upper Canada His Excellency Sir Robert Shore Milnes now Lieutenant Governor of Lower Canada, on supposition as your Petitioner presumes, that the money was granted for some specific mission has refused to issue the usual warrant and deprived your Lordship's Petitioner of the King's Bounty.
Your Lordship's Petitioner begs leave to assure you, that he has in his Hands the most authentic proofs of the facts stated in this Petition, but thinks it impertinent to add anything to a British Governor's Letter, a copy of which is annexed.
For his veracity he begs leave to refer Your Lordship to His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, to whom your Petitioner's Prin- ciples of Loyalty and services are known to Lord Dorchester, Lieut Genl Simcoe, Lieut. Genl. England or to Major General Beckwith, and he most humbly prays that your Lordship will graciously please to direct the Lieut. Governor of Lower Canada to issue a Warrant as usual and permit your Petitioner to enjoy the King's Bounty which
t
214 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
has been granted by one of His Majesty's Governors at the requisi- tion of another and Your Lordship's Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.
Edmund Burke,
V. General of Quebec.
Halifax, N. S., Deer. 19th 1803. [Q 93, p 201]
D. W. SMITH TO EARL CAMBDEN.
Southampton, 17 August 1804.
My Lord,
As I have not the honor of being personally known to you, I feel it necessary to apologize for writing to your Lordship; but the honourable appointments I, for many years, held in Canada & the occasion I am under of addressing your Lordship in behalf of the Gentleman (Captn Elliot a Loyalist) who bears this will I hope plead my excuse for thus addressing you.
Captn Elliot was many years a most active, faithful & diligent officer in the Indian Department & was dismissed from it upon some representations made of his conduct; to which he has not been afforded the opportunity of a reply! a relief he now most humbly solicits!
This gentleman has been known to me for 14 years past; first when I was materially concerned in the military command at the Post of Detroit where Captn Elliot's conduct and integrity were always considered by us in the highest point of view; my father being then commandant of that Frontier. — ^ after that, Mr. Elliot was, (as he is now) a member of the Lower House in Canada, to which I was Speaker; and tho' he had been then recently dismissed from his appointment in the Indian Department, I found him zeal- ous, loyal and most ready to give his vote and assistance in every measure which tended to promote the general good and welfare of His Majesty's Government: so much so, that I could not refrain from making an application to the Lieut Governor (now in Your Lordship's office) as a personal favour to be done to me as Speaker; that His Majesty's Ministers would direct such an enquiry to be made into Capt. Elliots conduct, as would give him an opening, not only to wipe away the calumny intended to be heaped on him, but also to justify the ^measure, for which he had been prematurely
D. W. SMITH TO EARL CAMBDEN.
215
condemned; unheard, namely, "obedienoe to the order of his supe- rior officer" — ^and I understand that some order had been sent out for that purpose; but so qualified as hitherto to be suspended; awaiting further course from your Lordship's office — ^this unqualified order for enquiry, is what Captn. Elliot now, so earnestly solicits; and it may be some anticipation that his innocence is generally believed, when your Lordship is informed, that his situaton in the Indian Department is not yet filled up, as if it were an opening kept for his reinstatement, upon his justification.
Captn. Elliot has taken every measure to get a hearing, previous to his personally troubling his Majestys Government in this Coun- try; but notwithstanding the interference of his Koyal Highness the Duke of Kent, Lt General Simcoe, & Mr. President Kussell, (sup- ported by the Council of Upper Canada) he has not yet been able to succeed; & therefore as a last resource is obliged to seek for justice, at your Lordship's hands.
The unceasing pains this Gentleman has taken to obtain the right which he thinks is due to him, as an eminent Loyalist, and officer, & a British subject, has been attended with much fatigue & heavy expence which his pay from the period of his suspension, to the present time would scarcely reimburse; for as he lives a thousand miles, in the interior of the Country, above Quebec, he has taken several journeys in pursuit of this enquiry, including a very long one, through the woods from Detroit to Halifax, not less, I believe than eighteen hundred miles & back again — now across the Atlantic, with the perception of a long and tedious journey, on his return; now full late to embark for the St Lawrence.
At the time of Mr. Wayne's aggression into the Indian country, upon the frontier of our Posts, when the General advanced within the influence of the Fort Miami, and as it were insulted the brit- ish flag; Captn. Elliot was among the Partizans for its honor & support! and foremost in peril and in danger!
Even after his dismissal, when the Province was threatened with insult & attack; Captn Elliots influence with the indians was such, & his attachment to Great Britain so evident, & so tried; that the Civil Government would have been necessitated to have employed him, & came to some resolutions on that subject, notwithstanding the interference of the Commander in Chief at Quebec by whose order he had been dismissed; and this I the more perfectly know, because I had the honor to be one of His Majesty's Privy Council in that Country.
216
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
I have now to crave Your Lordships pardon, for the intrusion of this statement, which duty to my country, & respect for the Loyalists, particularly the Gentleman, in whose favour I write has impelled me to make; & on these grounds, I trust, your Lordship will pardon me for so doing.
I have the honour to be My Lord
with great consideration & respect
Your Lordships
Most obedient
humble Servant
D. W. Smith,
late Speaker of Upper Canada and one of His Majesty's Council.
To the Eight Honorable Earle Cambden, One of His Majesty's principal Secys of State, &c. &c &c.
[ Q 299, p 316 ]
MAJ. K. MATHEWS TO LT. GOV. HAY.
Quebec, 15 October 1804.
Sir,
Captain Bird of the King's (or 8th) Regiment having memorialed His Excellency General Haldimand to confirm a grant made to him by Lieut Colonel De Peyster of a small Lot of Land and House at Detroit (formerly a Blacksmith's shop) described therein, I am commanded by His Excellency to acquaint you that in considera- tion of Captain Bird's particular services at Detroit and of his having been at some expence in fitting up the said House He is pleased to relinquish to Him all right to it on the part of the Crown and desires that you will put him in possession of it accordingly.
I am Sir
Your most obedient
and most humble Servant
R. Mathews, Secy.
Lieut. Gov. Hay.
PROCLAMATION REGARDING TRADE.
217
I do hereby certify to all whom it doth concern that the above is a just and exact copy of the original the same having been duly and carefully compared by me this Twenty fifth day of October one thousand seven hundred and eighty four.
In faith and Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Hand & afiixed my seal of office.
Cha. Stewart,
Not. Pub.
Endorsed: Mr. Bird's Memorial of American Lands from Mr. Winston. Received Oct. 25, 1801. Copy to President Russell 15th Novemr. 1805.
[ Q 303, p 190 ] .
PROCLAMATION IN REGARD TO TRADE.
By the Superintendant of Indian Affairs for the Territory of Louisiana.
Notice is hereby given, that no Person, the Citizen or Subject of a Foreign Power will be permitted to enter the Missouri for the purpose of Indian Trade.
Licenced Traders are strictly prohibited from carrying into the same Eiver, Uniform Cloathing other than that of the United States, Medals, Arm Bands or other Ornaments of Dress bearing the Devices or Emblems of any Prince Potentate or Foreign Power whatsoever.
No Goods or Merchandize will be permitted to enter the said Eiver, which have not been manufactured in the United States or have not been imported by a Citizen of the U. S. or person resi- dent within the Territories thereof.
Correct Invoices of all goods and merchandize intended for this Trade are to be reported to the Secretary of the Territory on Oath of the Owner or Shipper, and all agents, Patroons, and Interpreters are to take and subscribe an Oath of Fidelity to the United States and abjuration to all other Persons.
Application to be made to the Secretary of the Territory for Licences.
Done at St. Louis Augst 26th 1805.
Ja. Wilkinson.
Endorsed: 2.
In Mr. President Dann's No. 6, To Lord Castlereagh. Copy to the Council Office 22d February 1806.
[ Q 99, p 15 ]
28
\
218
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
BREVET MAJOR HENRY BIRD TO E. COOK, ESQ.
Sir, Colchester, October 10th 1805.
I have the honor to send you herewith copies of some of the Papers relative to the Land in Canada for the restitution of which, or a compensation for it, I memorialed Lord Castlereagh. I am extremely sorry I was prevented sending them sooner but hope they will yet be in time to accompany the Mermorial to Canada. One of the papers relates solely to a House in Detroit which possi- bly by the Town being long since given up to the Americans, may be irretrievably lost, but I take the liberty of enclosing it in hopes that may not be the case. If I may intrude so far on your time I will beg to call your attention for a few moments to one of the enclosed papers (No. 3) a Letter from Messrs. Macomb to my Father making a demand on Him for £1135 2s lid money borrowed by him for the express purpose, and expended in clearing part of the Land and building two Houses, one of which was taken possession of by Government and converted (I believe) into a Store House, and no recompence has ever been received for either that or the Land that was at the same time taken, which had been cleared of the wood at so great an expence.
I have the honor to be Sir With respect
Your most obedient Humble Servant
Henry Bird, Brevet Major 5th Regt.
E. Cook, Esqr.
Endoreed: Colchester 10 Octo. 1805.
Capt. H. Bird. E. 11. E, Cook, Esqr. Inclosures. Copy to President Russell 15th Novr. 1805.
[ Q 303, p 180 ]
MEMORIAL OF MONTREAL MERCHANTS.
To the Honorable Thomas Dunn, President of the Province of Lower Canada.
The memorial of the undersigned Merchants of Montreal and others.
Humbly sheweth,
That your Memorialists being extensively engaged in the Trade with the Indians within the Territories of the United States of
MEMORIAL OF MONTREAL MERCHANTS.
219
America have therein embarked large capitals for the prosecution of the same, trusting confidently to the Treaty of Amity and Com- merce now subsisting between His Majesty our Sovereign, and the Government of the United States.
That by said Treaty the Trade with the Indians within the Territory of Great Britain and the United States respectively is declared to be open and free to the Subjects and Citizens of their respective Governments, and no distinction whatever is made, because of the allegiance which such subjects and citizens owe and ought to bear to their particular governments.
That from the moment that the American government became pos- sessed of the different Forts and Posts which were ceded to them by Great Britain, Your Memorialists have not ceased to carry on the Indian Trade under protection of these Forts & Posts, and at the Posts of entry have paid the Duties which by Treaty they were bound to pay, and as they apprehended more than it authorized.
That these Duties at the Frontier Posts of Michilimackinac alone have been very considerable, exceding some years Thirty Thousand Dollars.
That having so paid or secured to pay these Duties, they were permitted to pass & Trade with the Indians inhabiting the Country within the American Territory.
» That a great part of the Trade is extended to the West side of the Great River Mississippi from and including the Missouri River up to the Sources of the Mississippi, and your Memorialists or their agents no ways doubting that (having as usual paid or secured , the payment of the Duties at the frontier Post of Michilimackinac and been permitted to pass into the interior as heretofore) they would enjoy Liberty of Trade in common with American Citizens in those parts of the American Territory, proceeded with their Battoes, Canoes & Servants with valuable Cargoes of Goods tdwards their respective destinations for the purpose, of prosecuting the said Trade, but to their utter astonishment they are informed from St Louis in Upper Louisiana that a Proclamation bearing date the 26th of August* last, was then issued by Governor Wilkinson the Superin- tendant of Indian Affairs for that Territory, forbidding the entry into the River Missouri of all Persons whatever, not being citizens of the United States of America and imposing on those who are not of that description the most extraordinary test that ever was offered to any, but more especially to British Subjects; nothing
For Proclamation see page 217.
220
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
less than abjuring their Allegiance and Faith to their lawful Prince & Sovereign, or to be excluded from that Trade.
That your Memorialists having procured a copy of said Proclama- tion they take the liberty of transmitting the same to Your Honor for your more perfect information.
That there appearing no other reason to prevent British Subjects from prosecuting the Missouri Trade than their holding sacred their Allegiance to their natural Sovereign, and from which they cannot ever divest themselves, your Memorialists are under Great appre- hensions least a similar unwarrantable restraint should be laid on the whole of the Trade to the West of the Mississippi, and per- haps, as has been the case with respect to the Missouri Trade, after they shall have paid or secured the Duties and made such advances and arrangements for carrying it on as would prove ruin- ous to them if put a stop to, for it is most remarkable that this Proclamation in Violation of good Faith as well as of Treaty was issued at the very moment when the Traders were arrived at St Louis, although the Duties upon their Merchandize had been pre- viously at Michilimackinao rigorously exacted, and no previous notice of any intended restraint had been given, which proceedings operate in their consequences as an injury almost equal to the- con- fiscation of the Property.
That Traders only are not the object of this Proclamation appears from perusal thereof for even the Canoe-men are prevented from going into the River along with the Merchandize they had been hired and engaged to transport, and a new set of men must be paid for the remaining part of the Voyage up the River, in order to convert the goods into skins and Furs, which brings a new charge so heavy as will amount to a prohibition of the Trade; In short your Memorialists see with deep concern that their Property and Persons, or those of their agents are exposed to loss and dis- grace, in a manner which they humbly conceive to be contrary to every principle of Justice as well as good Faith, and a direct and cruel infringement of Treaty, operating to the ruin of Individuals concerned in that part of the Indian Trade.
And as it is during the Winter Season that the Goods are pre- pared for that Distant Trade Your Memorialists find themselves constrained to refrain from preparing the same until they can be assured that so much of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce as relates to the Indian Trade by British Subjects, within the Terri- tory of the United States, whether on the Eastern or Western side
ALEX. GRANT TO VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGH.
221
of the Mississippi shall be equally extended to them as to Ameri- can Citizens.
Your Memorialists therefore pray for Your Honor's good offices and interference in the Premises that a speedy representation to the American Government through the medium of His Majesty's Minister at Washington, may be made for the purpose of procuring redress; and such other measures adopted for laying their Memorial before His Majesty as to your Honor may seem fit.
James & And. McGill & Go. Forsyth, Richardson & Co. George Gillespie & Co. N Rocheblave T. Giasson J. Bleakley
C. Pothier
D. Mitchell, Junr.
Parker, Gerrard, Ogilvy & Co.
McTavish, Frobisher & Co.
Henderson, Armour & Co.
J. B. Durocher
Wm. & Andw. Porteous
David Daviel
James Caldwell
Cuvillier, Aylwin & Harkness
P. Robertson & Co.
R. Cruikshank
Alex Roxburgh,
Alexander Henry
Montreal, 8th Nov. 1805.
Endorsed: 1.
In Mr. President Dunn's No. 6 To Lord Castlereagh.
[ Q 99, p 8 ]
McLean Connolly Jos. Provan Michel Dumas Saml. Dumas Logan & Watt George Kiltson James Smith William Hunter
C. Laframboise John Lilly Fleming & Grant '
D. Rousseau Geo. Stansfield Jno. Jas. Trestler John Shutz James Woolrich Auld & Lange James Laing & Co. James Finlay.
ALEX. GRANT, ESQ., TO VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGH.
[No. 11.]
York, Upper Canada, 3d January 1806.
My Lord,
I am honored with your Lordship's Dispatch No 1 of the 5th September 1805, addressed to Lieutenant Governor Hunter, inclosing
222
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
a Memorial to Your Lordship of Major Henry Bird, respecting part of the Land granted to his father by General Haldimand on the Eastern side of the Kiver St Laurence, near Detroit, being occu- \ pied by Government for a garrison ; and praying for an adequate \ compensation therefor, together with the improvements and Buildings erected thereon. I I have directed the necessary enquiries to be made relative to 1 the particulars stated in that Memorial, but have not, as yet, obtained such information concerning them as to enable me to offer any I opinion to Your Lordship. In my next Dispatch I shall state what appears in the Documents to be found in the Public oflSoes ; of this Province respecting Major Bird's claim, and submit to your ; Lordship what may occur to me on that subject. I have the Honor to be My Lord
With every sentiment of obedience and respect
Your Lordships Most obedient
and most humble Servant
Alexr. Grant, President of the Province of Upper Canada. The Eight Honble- Viscount Castlereagh, one of His Majesty's principal Secretaries of State. J
Endorsed: Upper Canada, 3d July 1801.[?] I Prest. Grant No. 11. R. 14 May. A. 10 May.
[ Q 304, p 2 ]
REPORT OF C. B. WYATT, SURVEYOR GENERAL, RESPECTING MAJOR BIRD'S 1
MEMORIAL. ,j1
To His Honor Alexander Grant, Esquire, President, Administering m the Government of the Province of Upper Canada &c. &o. &c. In Council
May it please Your Honor.
In obedience to Your Honor's Order in Council, to me, to report, respecting Major Bird's Memorial.
I am to state to Your Honor, that I have carefully examined the Books and Documents in my office, relative to the Tract called
REPORT OP C. B. WYATT, SURVEYOR GENERAL.
223
Captain Bird's Lot, in the Township of Maiden and the Lands oontiguous thereto, in order that I might be enabled, to reply satisfactorily, to the Questions Your Honor has been pleased to make thereon. But having found, after a long search, that I am not in possession of any better information on the subject, than what is contained in a Keport, made by this oflSoe to Mr. Presi- dent Kussell on the 26th August 1797, I have hereunto subjoined a copy of that Report, together with copies of some other Papers relative thereto.
In replying more particularly to Your Honors Queries I beg leave to observe.
That I do not find. Major Bird's Father ever obtained any authority, other, than what he is stated to have had from the Indians, to take possession of a Tract of Land on the Eastern side of the Eiver Detroit.
It appears that Buildings have been erected on the said Tract, but I meet with nothing, to give me an Idea, in what state those Buildings were, when the Lands were taken possession of by Gov- ernment, for the purpose of erecting Fortifications thereon.
I am not acquainted with any application, made by Major Bird or his Father, to the Commander in Chief, or to any other Per- son, in either Province, for Redress of the Injury supposed to be sustained by them, in being deprived of those Buildings, and the Improvements stated to have been made. — Consequently, I do not know of any answer, given to such application. Nor do I find any Grant upon Record of a considerable Tract of Land, stated to have been ratified by General Haldimand to Major Bird's Father, and included with Colonel McKee, Captains Caldwell and Elliott, and several others as proprietors. On the contrary, by an Order in Council of this Province dated the 5th January 1793, It appears, that Colonel McKee, and Captains Elliott and Caldwell, only, were declared to be the Patentees of the Township of Maiden.
No Warrant of Survey, Land Board Certificate or other author- ity, have come into the possession of this office, by which it was enabled to describe any Tract of Land for Captain Bird, nor has any Plan or Description, ever issued from it in his favor.
The Instructions respecting the settlement of those Lands, appear to me, to be contained in the annexed Abstract No 8.
The Reserve set apart in the before mentioned Tract, for Military Purposes, comprehends what is called Captain Bird's Lot. Neither the original Grant, from the Indians to the King, of those Lands,
224
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
or the Copy thereof, is to be found among the Books or Papers of this office.
Nor have I met, with any other Documents, than what are sub- joined, relative to the subject in question.
All which are humbly submitted to Your Honor's wisdom.
C. B. Wyatt,
Surveyor General.
Surveyor General's Office,
York, 3 1st January 1806.
Garrison, 27th June 1797.
Dear Sir,
I beg you will send me General Prescott's Letter and Your Eeport to enable me to answer it (respecting the Grants to the South of Amherstburg) as I wish to be prepared for the Mohawks return, as she will not come to anchor, but proceed immediately to Kingston.
Yours &c
Peter Eussell.
Copy. C. B. Wyatt, Survr. Genl. To the Honble D. W. Smith, Esqr., &c. &c. &c.
Surveyor General's Office, 27th June 1797. To His Honor the President. Sir,
I am this Instant honored with Your Honor's Letter, to which I shall pay immediate attention — and if I can procure the General's Letter from Mr. Small, shall report to Your Honor this evening.
I am &c
D. W. Smith, A. S. G.
Surveyor General's Office, 27th June 1797.
To Mr. Small.
Mr. Smith's compliments to Mr. Small will thank him for the Proceedings of the Detroit Land Board, to enable him to frame a Report immediately called for by His Honor.
REPORT OF C. B. WYATT, SURVEYOR GENERAL.
225
N. B. You will also much oblige me by the loan of the Council Book and a Bundle of Detroit Papers endorsed Legislative Council & Governor's Office Quebec.
D. W. S.
SuRVEYOK General's Office, 15th August 1797.
To His Honor The President. Sir,
"Referring to my report to Your Honor of the 27th June last, I now enclose a Plan shewing how the side Lines of the Lots in Maiden will intersect the Military Ground; By it. Your Honor will perceive, that no part, of the Lands Granted to Messrs. McKee and Elliott are envelloped therein.
If Your Honor wishes I should make any further Enquiry into the Eecords or Papers which relate to the Lands south of this, I shall be glad to receive Your Honor's commands.
being respectively &o
D. W. Smith, A. S. G.
Memdm. Surveyor Genral's Office,
15th August 1797. Sent a Plan of Amherstburgh to His Honor's office referring to report dated 17th June 1797.
D. W. S.
Springfield, 25th August 1797.
Sir,
Having this day received a letter from General Prescott dated 17th July containing the following Paragraph vizt. "As soon as the Acting "Surveyor General and the Clerk of the Council can come at their "papers I shall be glad to be fully informed of the real situation "of the Lands to the South of Amherstburgh as desired in my "Letter of the 8th May last and could wish to have copies of the "Indian Deeds or any other Deeds by virtue of which they are "held.
You will be pleased to furnish me without loss of *ime with copies of the Documents requisite to furnish His Excellency with the Information required — respecting the claims of Colonel McKee 29
226 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
and Captains Caldwell Elliott and ^Bird to their Land in the Town- ship of Maiden. I am &c
Peter Kussell.
Copy. C. B. Wyatt, Survr. Genl. The Honble D. W. Smith, Esqr., &c. &c. &c.
Surveyor General's Office, To His Honor The President. 26th August 1797.
Sir,
I enclose to Your Honor a Keport and several Extracts, relating to Maiden ; I cannot find in my oflBce, any copy of the Indian Deed, to the oflScers, but it is frequently alluded to, as Your Honor will perceive by several of the Extracts, the copies of the Deeds, by virtue of which Mr. McKee and Mr. Elliott hold their Lands, can be had from the Secretary's office. I have the proceedings of Council up to the 13th of October last — The copy of those upon which the Patents were issued to Messrs. McKee and Elliott, will of course be furnished to Your Honor by the clerk of the Council, when the Greatest part of the District of Hesse was ceded to the Crown in 1790 — this tract claimed by the Indian Officers was also included in that cession. The Deed is in the Council Office.
I am &c
D. W. Smith.
Copy. C. B. Wyatt, Survr. Genl. [ Q 304, p 58 ]
proceedings of a council, respecting the claim of maj. henry bird.
Council Chamber at York, 24th March 1806.
Presentl
The Honorable Peter Eussell, Presiding Counsellor The Honorable John McGill The Honorable Thomas Scott
To His Honor Alexander Grant Esquire, President Administering the Government of the Province of Upper Canada &c. &c. &c. May it please Your Honor,
In obedience to Your order of Keference, dated the 24th of December last, [respecting the circumstances stated in Major Birds
REGARDING THE CLAIM OF MAJOR HENRY BIRD.
227
Memorial to Lord Castlereagh, transmitted to tbe late Lieut Gov- ernor Hunter, in his Lordship's Letter, dated Downing Street, 5th September, 1805, the Committee of the Executive Council has spared no pains in calling for and examining such documents as the Lieut Governor's, the Surveyor General's and the Executive Council Offices were able to furnish it, from which any light could be drawn to elucidate the justice of the Memorialist's claims.
The tirst circumstance stated by the Memorialist being that his Father was, at the conclusion of the late American War, included with Colonel McKee, Captain Caldwell and Elliott, and several others, as a Proprietor in a considerable grant of Land, which Grant was ratified by General Haldimand, and afterwards confirmed by Government the Committee has caused every search to be made for the Grant, Ratification and Cpnfirmation, without Success. All the information it has been able to obtain, is, that the Indians, at the close of the war, wishing to shew their Eegard to some officers and Soldiers, who had served with them, had given to them (after their manner) a Tract of Land, J about seven miles square, at the mouth of the Detroit River; on which, some of the Officers being desirous to settle there. General Haldimand in a letter to Lieut Governor Hay, dated the 14th of August 1804, direct him to permit them to make Improvements until the Land could be pur- chased for the King from the Indians and afterwards regular gy^ants he given to them agreeably to His Majesty's Instructions, and the mode in practice in the lower parts of the Province giving him positive orders, at the same time, that, to obviate the possibility of these Improvements interfering with a place at the mouth of the River, reported to His Excellency, by Captain Caldwell, to be necessary for establishing a Post, Two thousand yards from the center of such a place, on all sides, must be reserved and set apart for that purpose. Governor Hay's letter to Ensign Fry, Dep- uty Surveyor, in consequence of these Orders, and Mr. Fry's report of the Survey which he made agreeably thereto, are among the papers before the Committee; By these it appears, that about six acres in front at a small Creek opposite the Island of Bois Blanc, on the East side of Detroit River were measured off to Captain William Caldwell, Captain Alexander McKee, and Captain Mathew Elliott; then four acres in front, each, to Joncaire Chabiere, Thomas McKee, and seven others, on a due south course towards Lake Erie.
This Report is dated 25th of March 1785, but no land appears to have been assigned to Captain Bird, whose name is only just
228
COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS.
mentioned in Lieut Governor Hay's Instructions to Ensign Fry^ wherein he is directed to measure what land lies between Captain Bird's first House^ and make a Memorandum of the same; But Captain Bird's Lot and Houses are so repeatedly referred to in the Documents before the Committee, [that no doubt remains of his being one of the oflBcers who improved on part of the Indian Grant which was intended by General Haldimand to encourage the settle- ment of by the Troops, who, after serving with the Indians,
had been ^discharged at the end of the war. The Committee being satisfied as to this Point, proceeded next to enquire what Improvements or Buildings Captain Bird caused to be made on the Land he has taken possession of, but in this researches would have been in vain, if Mr. Baby, who is one of its Members, had not been able, from his own recollection, to state that Captain Bird had cleared about twenty acres on a Tract of Land opposite to Bois Blanc, on the East side Detroit Kiver, and erected two Houses thereon, of about twenty feet square, with a Brick chimney to each of them, which (including Houses Improvements and waste Land) he thinks may be valued altogether at about, from one thousand to Twelve hundred Dollars, But whether Captain Bird, [or his soft, the Memorialist, ever made any applications before the present Memorial, for Remuneration for their losses; or whether he is actually entitled to any, the Committee has no means of Information, by which it can with propriety form an opinion; For, after every possible Investigation, the Committee has not discovered any Traces of the Grant to Captain Bird, or of those other papers and Documents, copies of which the Memorialist states to be at present in the possession of Sir John Caldwell Bart, of Castle Cald- well, in Ireland, which, however, may possibly shew his claim in a clearer point of view. Copies of General Haldimands letter to Lieut Governor Hay. of Lieutenant Governor Hay's orders in con- sequence to Ensign Fry, Deputy Surveyor and his Report, and an Extract from the Surveyor Generals Report, accompany this Report for Your Honor's information. All which is humbly submitted
Peter Russell,
, . Presiding Councillor.
Approved. A. Grant, President.
Endorsed: A.
In Mr. Freed. Grant's No. 18, 8th April 1806.
[ Q 304, p 54 ]
LIEUT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE TO SIR JAMES CRAIG. 229
Council Chambee at York, 7th April 1806.
Present
The Honorable Peter Kussell Presiding Councillor The Honorable John McGill The Honorable Thomas Scott.
To^ His Honor Alexander Grant, Esquire, President Administering the Government of the Province of Upper Canada, &c. &c. &c.
♦
May it please Your Honor —
In obedience to Your Order of Reference of this date the Com- mittee has perused with attention the copies of Major Mathew's Letter to Lieutenant Governor Hay dated 15th October 1784, of the Papers marked No 1, 2, 3 and 4 (containing the consent of three of the Proprietors of an Indian Grant made in June 1784) that the Land directly opposite to the Island of Bois Blanc be allotted to Captain Henry Bird &c. and of Col. De Peyster's Letter to that Gentleman dated 25th July 1797 enclosed with Major Bird's Letter to Mr. Cooke in Lord Castlereagh's Letter dated 14th November 1805, and tho' these Documents certainly strengthen the supposition that Captain Henry Bird was included in the Indian Grant of June 1784 it does not appear to the committee that any alteration or addition is required thereby to its Report to Your Honor of the 24th March last.
Which is humbly submitted.
Peter Russell,
Presiding Councillor.
Approved. A. Grant, President.
Endorsed: B.
In Mr. Presd. Grant's No. 18, 8th Apl. 1806
[ Q 304, p 59 ]
LT. GOV. FEANCIS GORE TO SIR JAMES CRAIG.
Extract of a Letter from His Excellency Lieutenant Governor Gore to His Excellency Sir James Craig K. B. &c. &c. &c. dated 1st December 1807.
"Amongst the means of Defence the Indians may prove useful, of this the Americans at Detroit are particularly, apprehensive, and
230
COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS.
for the purpose of intimidating them a Proclamation has issued, threatening the most severe Eetaliation on their Wives and Chil- dren residing in the United States, if they should join the British Standard, this measure of the American Government is said to have shaken their Eesolution, and I must add that I have received information, on which I think I can depend, that we ought not to trust too much to Indian Assistance in that Quarter."
[Q 107, p 221]
QUERIES AND ANSWERS.
Queries submitted', by His Excellency Lieut Governor F. Gore respecting Indians, and His Excellency Sir James Craig's answers.
Queries.
York, 1st Deer. 1807. *' Are the Indians to be employed " in case of a Rupture with the United "States?"
"In case the Governor General di- " rects that the Indians be employed, " is it the intention of the Commander " in Chief to order an additional quan- " tity of Presents from Lower Canada "when the Navigation opens; the In- "dian Stores in the Upper Province "being nearly exhausted?"
[ Q 107, p 220 ]
Answers.
Quebec, 28th Deer. 1807. "The subject of employing the In- "dians has been sufficiently discussed " in the Commander of the Forces Let- "ter of the 6th Instant."
"An additional quantity of goods " calculated for Presents for the In- "dians, shall be sent up as soon as "the navigation opens."
J. BABY TO LT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE.
To His Excellency Francis Gore Esqre. Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada &o. &c. &c.
May it please Your Excellency,
In my last letter I entreated to receive further Instructions for my conduct, I am now more in want than ever to know Your Excellency's intentions, and hope it will be deemed a sufficient apology for my sending the present express.
J. BABY TO LIEUT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE.
231
On the 14th Instant, I called jointly with my Brother on the commanding officer of Amherstburgh, and consulted with him as to the propriety of calling out the Detachments we have received orders to prepare, and placing them at that post, in case of the arrival of the Keinforcement our Neighbours expect from different parts, in addition to which, they have within this last week raised Two hundred men, now on actual duty at Detroit; his answer was, that he had, no orders io receive any body of men in his garrison; and on the subject of Provisions he said he would feel a scarcity hy the great quantity daily consumed by the Indians, and the non- arrival of the snow, the General Hunter, which from the lateness of the season we need not look for. The Colonel read to us the orders he had got for the distribution of arms, which seem to leave it to him to deliver them, when he may see occasion for. He recommended us at the same time to address ourselves to Your Excellency.
I am at a loss what construction is to be put on the words emergency or actual necessity, if there be no formal declaration of war. In a few days our neighbours will, in all probability, have a force of from five to seven hundred effective men, exclusive of their non-drafted militia, this number will have the advantage over us of being drilled and disciplined: On the first news of a War they may overpower us before we could collect our own numbers, amount- ing in all, as drafted to one hundred and sixty or eighty men, some of whom are spread over an extent of more than sixty miles from Sandwich or Amherstburgh.
It would greatly relieve my embarrassment and anxiety, if Your Excellency would be pleased to point out what course must be fol- lowed in what I beg leave to refer to Your Excellency's considera- tion that is, if on the arrival of any extraordinary force, or of levy- ing a greater number of men at Detroit, we should be justifiable in calling out the Detachment of the militia, or if we are to wait until Hostilities take place, or for a declaration of war, and at the same time upon whom is to devolve the finding the militia with Provi- sions, and other necessaries, if we should think ourselves sufficiently strong to guard the Settlement opposite the American Garrison of Detroit, or otherwise to repair wherever necessity might direct.
I have come to this River to review the Militia according to Your Excellency's orders, and it is with satisfaction I can state to
232
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Your Excellency that the people of the County of Kent have appeared in a loyal manner.
I have the honor to be
Sir Your Excellency's
&c. &o. &c.
J. Baby.
f Kaleigh, Eivee Thomas, ^ L 18th December 1807. J
1 Endorsed: B.
Copy of a Letter from the Honble James Baby, Lieut, of the County of Kent, to His Excellency Lieut. Govr. Gore, dated Raleigh, Eiver Thomas, 18th Deer. 1807. In Sir J. H. Craig's 15th July 1808. No. 25 to Lord Castlereagh.
[ Q 107, p 247 ]
SIR JAMES CRAIG TO LT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE.
Extracts from a correspondence between His Excellency General Sir James Henry Craig K. B. and His Excellency Lieut Governor F. Gore on the subject of Indians.
Extract of a Letter from His Excellency Sir James Craig to His Excellency F. Gore dated 28th December 1807.
"With respect to the Indians I have also in my former letter (6th Deer.) entered pretty much at large into my Ideas nor have I seen or heard anything since to occasion any alteration in them. It may be depended upon to a certainty that if they are not employed by us they will act with the Enemy and I only regret that a letter from Mr. Baby which Colonel Shaw has communicated to me, has presented diflSculties in obtaining their assistance greater than I look'd for. I cannot however but think that the long sub- sisting Ties that have existed between us, together with the pro- tection we are capable of affording them, or which amounts nearly to the same thing, the means with which we have it in our power to supply them, to enable them to protect themselves against the obvious views of the Americans which are invariably carried to the possession of their Country, if properly insisted on, must operate as powerful motives to keep them bound to us, but then the oflScer
MAJOR R. MATHEWS TO E. COOKE.
233
of the Indian Department must be diligent and active, the com- munication must be constant, these Topicks must be held up to them not merely in Great Councils and public Assemblies, they should be privately urged to some of their leading men, with whom endeavours should be used to lead them to a confidence in us, two or three gained over to us will be of more avail than all that can be said in a Council. I am aware that the Indian Department will tell us that this cannot be done, that Savages are not to be lead in this manner, but that every thing must be conducted exactly according to their habits and usages. If they wont try, they cer- tainly cannot do otherwise, but a Savage is the same creature as any other man, and if his Interest is quietly and distinctly pointed out to him. He will not be long in seeing it whatever may be the manner of laying it before him."
[ Q 107, p 219 J
MAJ. R. MATHEWS TO E. COOKE, ESQ.
Chelsea Cottage, 6th February 1808.
Sir,
I have the Honor to transmit to you herewith a Memorial from Mrs. Bird, widow of the late Lt. Colonel Bird, in behalf of Her- self and Children, together with a sketch and explanation relative to the subject thereof, and I have to request, in behalf of this unfoi-tunate Family, that you will be pleased to submit the same to the humane consideration of Viscount Castlereagh and in justice to the memory of Lt. Colonel Bird and the Interest of His widow and children, I cannot forbear offering my humble testimony to the Circumstances stated respecting the Grant of Land, as well as to the merits of the Colonel's services, as an active, zealous, and useful partizan in the American war, having served the whole of it with him in the King's (or 8th) Regt. and a great part of it at the time and place stated in the memorial, and afterwards when in the command of Upper Canada, in 1787, I by order of the Commander in Chief, laid out a District of twenty five miles, on the north side of Lake Erie, in respective portions for the officers and men who had served in the Indian Department, begin- ning from the Grants which had previously been made to Lt. Colonel Bird and a few others. And on the same time on exam- 30
234
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
iniDg the north side of the Eiver St Lawrence, from Niagara upwards, for proper situations to establish posts, in lieu of those at that J^time to be given up to the Americans, I [reported Lt Col- onel Bird's ground as that best suited to protect the entrance of the Eiver Detroit which was ultimately confirmed by professional officers and taken possession of by Government accordingly. It i& not in my power to speak to the quantity of the Land in ques- tion, to the amount expended in settling and improving it nor to its actual value, but which might easily be ascertained by local inquiry.
I have the honor to be with high Regard Sir
Your most obedient and most humble Servant
R. Mathews, Lt. Col.
Edward Cooke, Esq., &c. &g. &c. [ Q 311-2, p 406 ]
MEMORIAL OF MRS. ELIZABETH BIRD.
To the Right Honble. Lord Viscount Castlereagh His Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonial Department, &c. &c. &c.
I The Memorial of Elizabeth Bird, widow of the Late Lt. Col. Bird of His Majesty's 54th Regt of Foot. Most humbly sheweth,
That the Memorialists late husband Lieut Col Henry Bird, served as subaltern Captain and Field officer, in His Majesty's Eighth, Thirty first and Fifty fourth Regt of foot, for the space of Thirty six years, and Died on the Expedition to Egypt in the year 1801.
That the said Henry Bird served in America in His Majesty's Eight Regt of Foot, as Subaltern and Captain for the space of eighteen years, During which period he was employed by Government on several important occasions, in Negotiations and actual service, on the Frontiers, with various Indian Nations, to the intire Approbation of the Commander in Chief in Canada, and the dijfferent officers by whom he was employed.
That in consequence of such services the said Henry Bird received with other Loyal and active officers, a portion of a grant of Land on the River Detroit, made over to them by the several
MEMORANDUM.
235
Indian Nations, and afterwards approved of; and ratified, by the Direction of the British Government to Sir Frederick Haldimand the then Commander in Chief in Canada.
That the said Henry Bird took possession of said Grant of Land at the close of the American war; and was at considerable expense in clearing and cultivating the same, Building Houses, and estab- lishing a part of his family on the said premises.
That in the year 1796 Government having deemed it expedient to take possession of said Tract of Land from the Local Advan- tages of the same, for the purposes of Building a Fort and Bat- tery to guard the mouth of the River of Detroit; the said Henry Bird, was obliged to give up said grant, with all the valuable improvements thereon.
That no compensation or remuneration of any kind, has ever been made by Government for said Grant of Land to the widow or children of said Lieut Col. Bird, who humbly prays that your Lordship will be graciously pleased to take their case into your Humane consideration, (said widow with a very large family hav- ing been left very slenderly provided for) and direct that such remuneration shall be made to her, and family as upon examina- tion of the circumstances herein stated, will compensate for the losses they have sustained.
And the Memorialist
will ever pray.
[ Q 311-2, p 408 ]
MEMORANDUM.
The lot of ground which was granted by Government to Cap. Henry Bird, is bounded to the East by Land occupied by the Huron Indians, and to the West by Captain William Caldwell's Land which was also a Government Grant. Cap. Bird's Lot of Land was repossessed by Government in the year 1796, since which time Fort Amherstburg has been constructed the Town of Maiden built— a Dock Yard Commissary Store House and other Buildings- previous to the year 1796. Capt Bird has established his Family on this Grant of Land, and had at a considerable expence erected two or three dwelling Houses— made a good garden and planted an Extensive [Orchard, the whole of which was in an improving and
236
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
flourishing state, when repossessed by the British Government. Capt. Forbes of the R. Artillery, who was on duty at Fort Amherst- burg resided in one of the Houses built by Capt Bird from July 97 to Augt 99 for this Lot of Land and the Improvements thereon, the late Lt. Col. Birds widow and children have received no com- pensation whatever from the British Government.
[ Q 311-2, p 411 ]
MEMORANDUM.
(Sic) of Lands from the Mississago Nations of Indians.
This Requisition appears to be for no more than the articles specified in the original agreement amounting to £1000 Quebec curry but the payment was authorized to extend to £1700. It appears there therefore that List of articles to that amount sh'd be made out.
No 18. Reports of the Council & his opinion on Major Birds Memo.
No actual grant can be traced but Capt. Bird has possession of a portion of Land & had some small Buildings thereon, the pro- perty might be worth 1000 or 1200 Dollars, any remuneration as prayed for by Major Bird must rest with the Crown as mere mat- ter of Favour.
[Q 311-2, p 413]
SIR JAMES CRAIG, K. B., TO LT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE.
Extract of a Letter from His Excellency General Sir James Craig K. B. to His Excellency Lieutenant Governor F. Gore, dated 10th Feby 1808.
*' The principal, or rather indeed the only motive, for Mr. Erskine's writing to me was to transmit the message of the Presi- dent to Congress relative to the disposition of the Indians as repre- sented by Governor Hull. I enclose you an Extract of his letter, as well as a paragraph cut out of a newspaper on which from the under lining, it would appear that He lays much stress. I make no doubt of your having seen the message which has been in all the Papers. I need not add that this communication has made no alteration in [my
SIR JAMES CRAIG TO LIEUT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE.
237
wishes on this subject. It may be as well however if possible to avoid irritating the Public mind in the United States or of fur- nishing a handle for the violent Party to declaim on just at the moment that the negociation is going on, and I would therefore without losing sight of the necessity of preserving the attachment of the Indians abstain, as far as may be practicable with that view, from any public communication with them that may influence those objects. You mention in your Dispatch of the 5th January received by the return of Ensign Shaw that a Council was to assem- ble shortly at Amherstburg, this must of course be subsequent to the proceedings alluded to in Mr. Hull's Letters to the President, and I imagine will be immediately laid hold of with avidity by the vio- lent Party in America."
" I regret very much that you should have reason to doubt the influence of Mr. McKee and still more that you should have it in your power to ascribe the loss of that which he may have once possessed to so very obvious a cause. I should have no objection to removing from a Situation to which he cannot be competent but I must hesitate as to the propriety of reappointing Mr. Elliott who has been dismissed by a former Chief Governor, espe- cially as that dismissal has been approved by the King and as Mr. Elliott could not succeed by personal application at home in prov- ing that the proceedings against him had been hasty or unjust."
" In the event of employing the Indians it will undoubtedly be very advantageous that other officers should be attached to them besides those immediately belonging to the Indian Department.
You will no doubt keep such in view as you may think are properly qualified for that purpose, and you may assure them from me, that they will receive every encouragement that they may merit by their conduct particularly in restraining the Excesses of those people while acting against the Enemy."
[ Q 107, p 221 ]
Enclosure — Extract of a Letter from D. M. Erskine Esqr. &c. &c. &c. to His Excellency General Sir James Craig K. B. &c. &c. &c.
"I have the honor to inclose you some Papers which have been laid before the Congress of the United States, respecting movements of certain Indians within His Majesty's Dominions in Upper Canada. "
"I transmit to you also an Extract from the newspapers, favour'd by this Government, as it contains some observations which are
238
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
nearly the same as I have heard from this Government, altho " no Communication has been made to me officially upon the subject."
Enclosure — Copy of the Printed Paragraph cut out of the National Intelligence, enclosed by D. M. Erskine Esqr. to His Excellency
Sir James Craig K. B.
" We had the pleasure of conversing with a respectable and intel- "ligent Gentleman just arrived from Detroit. He states, that the pre- " vailing opinion at the British Settlement in that neighborhood is, " that there ivill be a war between this Country and Great Britain^ " in corroboration of this opinion he states that there are now at " Port Amherstburgh a British Post about 18 miles from Detroit at " least 2000 Indians almost exclusively Warriors. That they are all " armed and supported at the expense of the British and with great ' ' liberality, that their Arms are Guns, Rifles and Tomahawks, and that " since August there have been constantly there between two and three " thousand. In case of war it is expected that under the auspices of the " British, a General masaore will take place, for which they are all " in readiness, and from which none but those within the Fort " can expect to escape. Should such a nefarious measure be resorted *' to our countrymen may rest assured that a dreadful vengeance will "be taken upon its Perpetrators."
Extract of a Letter from His Excellency Lieutenant Governor F. Gore &c. &c. to His Excellency Sir James Craig K. B. &c. &c. &c. dated 8th Jany 1808.
Having already communicated to Your Excellency such general Information as I was in possession of relating to Indian matters, I have very little to remark on Sir John Johnson's letter except- ing his total want of Information respecting Mr. McKee's influence over the Indians, which I understand from all quarters, is nearly lost, indeed it appears so from his own Letter to the Assistant Sec- retary (marked B. )"
"The circumstance of the Superintendant's want of Influence, altho' of the greatest importance in a leader and a director of Indian operations is also to be connected with the habits of great intem- perence of Mr. McKee. "
SIR JAMES CRAIG TO LIEUT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE.
239
I have already expressed to you a wish to employ Captain Elliott, under a conviction that it would benefit His Majesty's Ser- vice, should the necessity of the case induce your Excellency to allow of this Gentleman's being employed, I must observe that I do not imagine he would accept of any situation under Mr. McKee, Captain Elliott having served during the American War as a Cap- tain for which he now receives half pay before Mr. McKee was in the Service."
Enclosure (B) — Extract of a Letter from Thomas McKee Esqr. Superintendent of Indian Affairs doing duty at the Post of Amherst- burg to Prideaux Selby Esqr. assist. Secretary of Indian Affairs, dated 21st November 1807.
" By the newspapers enclosed you will perceive that the Americans «pare no art, expence or trouble to gain the Indians, and indeed I now begin to suspect my greatest friends among them of lukewarm- ness, they leave us daily and all I can do I cannot prevent them circumstanced as I am. The National Intelligence being the Gov- ernment Paper, I have no doubt of the Indian Speeches being correct. To satisfy them a little, I have been lately obliged to purchase 50 lbs. of gunpowder and 200 lbs of Ball and Shot at my own expence, their demands for ammunition was so pressing.
Their Dead now amounts at this moment to 41 Persons seldom a day passes without a death."
Extract of a Letter from His Excellency General Sir James Craig K. B. &c. &c. &c. to His Excellency Lieut Governor F. Gore &c. &c. &c. dated Quebec 10th March 1808.
The want of more eflScient qualities in the Indian Department is an embarrassing subject. I have consulted Sir John Johnson as to a proper person to succeed Mr. McKee but he is not able to point out any one except Mr. Elliott and the Mr. Johnson who you mention but who under the circumstances of his present situa- tion it might not be proper to appoint, in the mean time the Instructions you have given to Colonel Claus are very proper."
"In a letter of private Intelligence which I received lately is the " following paragraph. " I find they are preparing a^variety of articles
240
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
" as Presents for the Indians which they mean to send off pri- " vately. " I have reason to believe the same person wrote to you at the same time and if so, will of course have given you the same account. [Supplies ^for [the same purpose shall be forwarded to you the moment it is practicable."
Extract of a Letter from His Excellency Lieut Governor Gore &c, &c. &c. to His Excellency General Sir James Craig K. B. &c, &c. &c. dated 2d Apr. 1808.
" I feel some difficulty in conducting the Indian Department. The Indian Nations owing to the long continuance of Peace have been neglected by us, and from the considerable curtailments made in the Presents to those People it appears, that the retaining their attachment to the King's Interests has not of late years been thought an object worthy of serious consideration, I still am much at a loss tojconfide & whom to employ, my knowledge of Mr. Elliott is from Public Character; and throughout this [Country, it is the General Sentiment, that He is the only man capable of calling forth the energies of the Indians. Colonel Claus is most decidedly of this opinion, nor does he know of any other Person of influence and information to [recommend as a Superintendant [at Amherstburgh. "
" Under existing circumstances I have considered it expedient to direct the Deputy Superintendent General ^ of Indian Affairs to con- sider Amherstburgh as the place of his ^General r^idence till fur- ther orders, that Post being the principal Place of Kendezvous for the Western Indians; The Duties of the Deputy Superintendent's office cannot however be confined to one Station, it is necessary, that he should occasionally visit and superintend the several Posts throughout the Province; with active and zealous Superintendents under him, at Amherstburgh and Niagara, I trust the Indians might be kept steady & persevering in their attachment to us."
" From the late period of the arrival of last year's stores at St Joseph's, the great^ Body of the Indians resorting to that Post were under the necessity of going away to their wintering grounds, without receiving their] usual Presents — this may be avoided in future, by having a second year's supply of goods in store at this Post, as I understand was formerly customary.
[ Q 107, p 223 ]
SIR JAMES H. CRAIG TO HON. D. M. ERSKINE, 241
SIR JAMES H. CRAIG, K. B., TO HON. D. M. ERSKINE.
Quebec, 8th March 1808.
Sir,
I do myself the honor of transmitting you a Memorial which I have received from the Merchants of Montreal who carry on the Indian Trade to Michilimackinac & the country adjacent I understand a similar Kepresentation was forwarded to you by Mr. President Dunn in the month of April last, the present memorial however goes not only to the grievances complained of at that time, but to the vexations & losses which the Merchants are likely to expe- rience from the non Importation and Embargo Acts recently passed by the American Congress, conceiving as they do from those parts of the Treaty between His Majesty's & the United States, which still remain in force, that the non-Importation act however it may be occasioned by existing diflPerences between the two Governments, or the embargo, from whatever motive the American Government may have been induced to lay it on, ought in no degree to alter or diminish their Eight to have free Ingress & Egress with respect to the Indian Territory, and to carry on Trade there as heretofore, they naturally expect that the same attention should be shewn to their Rights by the American [^Government which His Majesty's Representatives in the Canadas have invariably .manifested towards the Citizens of the United States who trade with the Indians on our side of the Line.
As this Dispatch will be delivered to you by| Mr. * Gillespie who is engaged in the Trade to the Indian Territory and is fully acquainted with the subject of the enclosed Memorial, it ^is [unnecessary for me to enter further into it, I shall therefore only add, that Mr. Gilles- pie is mentioned to me as a gentleman of much respectability, and as such I have no hesitation in recommending him to your kind & friendy attentions.
I have the honor to be Sir Your E^xcellency'g
most obedient humble Servant
J. H. Craig.
Honble D. M. Erskine,
His Britannic Majesty's Minister Plenipotentiary.
Endorsed: B.
In Sir J. H. Craig's No. 37 to Lord Castlereagh.
[ Q 108, p 16 ] 31
242
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
PBOCEEDINGS OF A PRIVATE MEETING WITH THE SHAWEN0E8.
Amherstbuegh, 25tli March 1808.
At a private meeting between Colonel Clans, Depy. Superintend- ent General of Indian Affairs, and Captn Johnny, Blackwood, and Buffaloe, three principal Shawenoe Chiefs; James Girty, Interpreter.
Colonel Clans spoke to them as follows. My Friend Johnny,
I have waited for some time to speak to you, but was prevented by your being so ill, and as your friends are very desirous of returning, I have now called to speak to you a few words on Public affairs, and regret exceedingly that you still continue so unwell. But we must submit to the will of the Supreme Being, whose wisdom is such as we must all bow to, and I hope you will shortly be able to get up again.
I offer the best wishes of your Father at York, being certain he will rejoice to hear of your perfect recovery. Brothers,
You must long since have heard that there is a difference exist- ing between the King & the American Government, which the King is much inclined] should be made up.
It is well known to you my Friends that the King of England is the only King on the pther side of the sea, that has been able to stand fast, & it is well known to all the world, that nothing can move him ; He is always inclined to Peace but he will never allow any Nation to do any thing to hurt his people & allies which you are without resenting it. This the Americans are attempting to do (here the business of the Chesapeak was repeated). He has now a Person with that Government to try if Peace can be preserved between the two Countries. And if not, you may expect to hear from us, & I have not a doubt that your ears wiW be open to hear his words, as his have always been to you & your wants, and that you may do what may be required of you, more particularly when by doing so, you may (besides your regard for the King) probably regain the Country taken from you by the Americans. . You must see every day, that what little is now left you is going very fast. The Country that the Governor of Detroit bought last Fall, takes in all the ground from the Glaize to the White Rock on Lake Huron as the boundary, which will contain upwards of Five millions of Acres, for which the Indians will not receive three Coppers an Acre.
PRIVATE MEETING WITH THE SHAWENOES.
243
Should unfortunately any disturbance take place between the King & Americans, your friend Captain Elliott will send word to you; and I tell you my Friends I expect you will shew yourselves, what you always have done, Good & Faithful Friends to the King of England.
Beothers,
I now hand you the Wampum ( 6 strings of White & 4 strings of Black) and I require from you that you send them as your own words to all the Villages, the Ottawa Town, St Joseph & Saginaw, desiring the Chiefs of these Villages & all between those places to sit quiet & keep their young men about them, untill they hear from you again.
I now shew you a Pipe sent by the Sioux to the Soakies which the Soakies brought to Your Father, and they only wait his answer (here the Depy. Supt. Genl. repeated the Speech of the Soakies delivered at Amherstburgh 8th June 1805 & produced the 3 pipes and the wampum) and I now desire to know whether any commu- nication has been made to you by the American Government, or to any of the Indian Nations if any, what was it ?
Brothers,
You must be sensible & must see and feel the conduct of the Americans towards you when compared with that of your Great Father the King, whose affection for his Indian Children is as warm as it ever was & you cannot think otherwise, for altho' far removed from you, yet he every year thinks of their necessities & sends to this country for their use cloathing, and a great variety of other necessary articles, besides arms & ammunition for the young men — All that you have ever received from the American Government has been as a payment for Land wrested from you by unfair means.
Brothers,
I have now opened myself to you and have spoken to you with- out reserve which I have not done to any other chiefs; Your known attachment to the King has given me confidence to speak thus freely to you.
Brothers,
I am known but to a few of your Nation, but I beg notwith- standing, you will salute them in my name and sincerely wishing that You Johnny may very soon be perfectly lecovered, I salute you & my Friend's friends.
244
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Blackboard answered— We have heard your words, they have given us new Life, we are always glad to hear the King's advice; what we have heard this day gives us such joy, that our young men, women & children will be happy when they hear us repeat it to them. Captn Johnny being so ill he was obliged to lay down, but an hour afterwards the Depy. Supt. Genl. was sent for, when the old man sat up and speaking on the Wampum delivered to him, repeated word for word the whole of what had been said; and after the usual compliments said ;
Brother,
You have opened our eyes & told us how matters are in other parts of the world; you tell us of our Father the King George's advice to us, which is the same our forefathers used to tell us, & we rejoice to hear the same words now repeated to us. These strings of Wampum which you gave us shall be sent to our Kings & Principal Chiefs, & to all our younger Brethren (the other Indian Nations) and I thank the great Spirit that we had the good fortune to hear our Father deliver a Speech so agreeable to them all.
Brother,
At the first meeting between our Forefathers and the English, Our English Father told us he would place his own children along side of us, but he made no doubt that, altho' we raised them, they might be very troublesome in future & when that happened we must take a switch and whip them. At this present moment we remem- ber the words of our Great Father King George and we now sit with our heads down and our arms tied behind our backs, hemmed up, that we cannot look round us for those people the Americans. We have sat in that situation for a long time in hopes that our Father the King would take pity on us; We now see he has cast his eyes on us, & we hope to be relieved from our present distressed situation, as we always mean to attend to whatever he says to us; and I am sure these are the sentiments of our Kings.
Nothing has been said to us by the Americans respecting the quarrel between them & the King, nor do we know of any thing being said to the other nations.
Endorsed: E,
Amherstburgh, Indian Department. Proceedings of a Private meeting with the Shawenoes, 2r)th March 1808. In Sir J. H. Craig's 15 Jaly 1808, No. 25 to Lord Castlereagh.
[ Q 107, p 255 ]
SIR JAMES CRAIG TO LIEUT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE. 245
LT. GOV. FBANCIS GORE TO SIR JAMES CRAIG, K. B,
Copy of a Letter from His Excellency Lieut Governor F. Gore* to His Excellency General Sir James Craig K. B. &c. &c.
York, 8th April 1808.
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose herewith a copy of the Proceedings of a Private meeting held at Amherstburgh, by the Deputy Super- intendent General, with the Shawenoes, and I think it proper to inform Your Excellency, that this nation of Indians have been rep- resented to me, as having heretofore preserved a decided superiority in the general Councils of the Western Confederacy, and as having a commanding Influence in all their measures. I am in hopes there- fore their Messages, when sent thro' the Country will be respected and attended to.
Your Excellency will perceive in the proceedings of this meeting that Captain Elliott is to send the Shawenoes a message when their Services are wanted; this has no doubt been done, with a view to gratify the Indians, whose attachment to that Gentleman is very great.
I have the honor to be &c. &o. &c.
Francis Gore,
[ Q 107, p 228 ] Lt. Governor.
SIR JAMES CRAIG, K. B., TO LT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE.
Extract of a Letter from His Excellency General Sir James Craig K. B. &c. &c. &c. to His Excellency Lieut Governor F. Gore &c. &c. &c dated 11th May 1808.
" The Indian Department has been, I assure you, a subject of most serious deliberation to me, and the more so, as from the present situation of affairs in this part of the world, I am led to attach a much greater degree of importance to its concerns than has lately attended them, or than I was even myself inclined to give them upon my first arrival. The state of irritation between them & the Americans, and the Injuries they have received from them, were I thought good grounds for the expectation that they would not be brought cordially to act on their side and that there- fore with a little attention on our part they would always be
246
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
secured to our Interest, but looking a little forward to the proba- ble events that are held up to our prospect by the present situa- tion of affairs, it is impossible not to include amongst them, that of the appearance of the French on some part or other of the theatre. I own I have little doubt on this subject. JSound Policy should perhaps direct their first operations to this Colony, & I shall therefore never lose sight of such a possibility — ^here they would find a healthy climate a friendly Population, and a great resource of Provisions to enable them from this to carry on their future plan of coercing the American States, but this cannot be attempted without the imminent hazard of the loss of the naval stores which they might be obliged to employ. A consideration of so much weight, and to which may be added others, regarding the proximity of the Spanish Settlements, that I think it more probable as is indeed the general expectation, that their ap]pearance will be to the Southward either at Orleans or in Florida. Wherever it may be, from the instant that it takes place we must look forward to every effort that can be devised by the ingenuity of man, to detach the Indians from us, & secure them to their Interest, and it appears therefore highly expedient that the earliest as well as the most efficacious measures should be adopted that are likely to attach them to us by Ties sufficiently strong to resist the Intrigues of such persevering artful a foe."
" With this view and after the most serious consideration of the subject, relying at the same time on your opinion, I am led to wave my objections to the appointment of Mr. Elliott to succeed Mr. McKee, and I feel now the less inclination any longer to oppose it from circumstances that have just occurred here, by which the disposition of the officer upon whose complaint his dis- missal took place, has been so far laid open to me, that I am convinced it is such as would lead him at least to see any thing in the most unfavorable point of view, I do not make the appoint- ment here as I cannot know the circumstances of Mr. Elliott's present situation, which might possibly be such as to throw some obstacle in the way, on his part of which I can not be aware — but if none such should present themselves, and no objection should have arisen on your minds, since I heard from you on the subject, you will please to make it for me."
" It would be proper to withdraw Mr. McKee from Amherstburgh on any further interference with the Indians, and I dare say you
SIR JAMES CRAIG TO LIEUT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE. 247
will think it right to order him down to York, where he shall continue in the receipt of his present salary 'till I receive Instruc- tions from home as to his future provision, which I will recom- mend may be the continuance of his present pay to him."
" A Mr. Cadotte has been most strongly recommended to me as being extremely well adapted to filling an office in the Indian Department. I am concern 'd that I cannot at this moment reply to the letter that I have received concerning him, and I am unwilling to delay this until I can procure it. I have written to engage him to proceed immediately to put himself under your orders. My object is, that He should replace the Interpreter at present at St Joseph's who I understand is not well qualified." -
" I request that you will in confidence explain to Colonel Glaus the impression under which I write this Dispatch, that he may be aware of the peculiar importance which I now attach to the Suc- cess of our Endeavours to conciliate and secure the Indians to our Interest. He will of course encrease his exertions for that purpose, and it may not be unadvisable that He should employ some means for opening an Intercourse with the nations situated to the South- ward, as far as he may find practicable — to Mr. Elliott also a similar communication may be made, but I would be cautious in extending it lower & I would in a very particular manner recom- mend, that as much as possible, the means that are pursued should be such as are of general conciliation and attachment without any particular allusion for the present to any possible state of Hostility with Americans. The Indian Stores from Lachine have been for- warded to you."
Extract of a Letter from His Excellency Lieut Governor F. Gore &c. &c. &o. to His Excellency General Sir James Craig K. B. dated 12th May 1808.
" I have the honor to enclose an Extract* of the last letter which I have received from the Deputy Superintendant of Indian Affairs at Amherstburgh. "
[ Q 107, p 229 ]
*Thi8 letter is published in full in Vol. 15, page 47.
248
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
SIR JAMES H. ORAIG, K. B., TO HON. D. M. ERSKINE.
Sir, Quebec, 2d June 1808.
Before this reaches you you will no doubt have received the Memorial of the Merchants of Montreal, trading in the Indian Country on the subject of a transaction that has lately taken place at Niagara and by which there are likely to be most materially injured in their Commerce of this year. Under the pressing exi- gency of the occasion in which their only hope of any alleviation of the loss which they must ultimately sustain arises from the restitution that may be made being immediate so that the goods may proceed to their destination before the season is entirely lost they would not wait to transmit their Memorial through me, but sent me a Copy of it, but this circumstance I rest confident will be no prejudice to them, as you will I am sure, pay every attention that the case may require with the same zeal & assiduity upon their representation as you could do, if it came under any .particu- lar recommendation from me.
I consider the business entirely as resulting from a mistake or an over zeal in the American OflBcer, and I have not a doubt that restitution and satisfaction will be made. In addition however to the loss & vexation that arises from it to our merchants engaged in an extensive and valuable concern, I cannot refrain from advert- ing to the circumstances of outrage and violence with which the transaction has been conducted. I have not yet heard from the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, whose province it more immediately is to make the necessary representations on this head, at least in the first instance, yet it is impossible for me to refrain from calling your attention to the probable consequence of such proceeding if a timely stop be not put to it by the American Gov- ernment. The Honor of His Majesty's Government will not admit that we should suffer actual violence to be committed under the protection of His Posts, that the Shot fired at their Persons fell within them, nor can we allow them to be pursued by armed Boats, on water to the free & uninterrupted navigation of which we have even by treaty the same right that the Americans themselves have. I should be extremely loath to feel a necessity of taking measures for their protection, and I rest persuaded that the repre- sentation which you will doubtless make on this part of the sub- ject will have the effect that there will be no call for such. Even measures of precaution under present circumstances might tend to
LIEUT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE TO SIR JAMES CRAIG.
249
irritation and I should without scruple avow to the American Gov- ernment that under the circumstances of proximity to their Domin- ions in which I am placed, I am most anxious to avoid anything that can conduce to that end and to this I am led from my own inclination under the impression how much it is the Interest of the two Countries to remain on a friendly footing as well as from duty under the firm conviction that such is the wish of His Majesty & His Government, but even to these considerations I cannot sacrifice the safety of His Majesty's subjects, or wink at violence that would commit the honor of His Government.
I have the honor to be Sir Your Excellency's
most obedient humble Servant
J. H. Craig.
Honble D. M. Erskine,
His Britannic Majesty's Minister Plenipotentiary.
Endorsed: C.
In Sir J. H. Craig's No. 37 to Lord Castlereagh.
[ Q 108, p 18 ]
LT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE TO SIR JAMES CRAIG, K. B.
Extract of a Letter from His Excellency Lieutenant Governor 'Gore &c. &c. &c. to His Excellency Sir James Craig K. B. &c. &c. &c. dated 8th June 1808.
" From the importance of conciliating the good will of the Indian Nations, particularly from the reasons suggested in Your Excellency's Letter of the 11th of May it has occurred to me that it might contribute to the Interests of His Majesty's Service if I should meet them myself at Amherstburgh. I know they expect I should do so and I do not wish to disappoint their expectations being well assured by those who know them that attention from Persons whom they account their Superiors makes a deep and lasting impression on their minds." " It will be necessary to make a Speech but I shall take care to be guarded avoiding as much as possible giving any unnecessary offence to the Americans who will view with a zealous eye my conduct on such an occasion.
Endorsed:
Extracts from Correspondence'between His Excellency General Sir James Craig, K. B., &c. &c. &c., & His Excellency Lieut. Govr. Gore, on the subject of Indians. In Sir J. H. Craig's 15th July 1808, No. 25, to Lord Castlereagh.
[ Q 107, p 234 ] 32
250
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
MAJ. R. MATHEWS TO E. COOKE, ESQ.
Sir, Chelsea College, 3d July 1808.
On the 5th of February last I took the liberty to trouble you with a Letter aooompauied with a Memorial from the widow of the late Lieut Colonel Henry Bird and a sketch and explanation of a Grant of Land which he possessed at the confluence of the River Detroit with Lake Erie in Upper Canada which Land was appro- priated by Government to erect a Fort and necessary Buildings thereon but for which no indemnification or remuneration whatever has yet been made to the widow or Family as particulalry stated in my Letter above mentioned and which with its enclosures I requested you would be pleased to submit to Lord Castlereagh's favorable consideration not having had the Honor to receive any answer from you and being pressed by the widow (who with a large family are in very indigent circumstances) for the discharge of this Friendly Duty to the Family of a friend and Brother OflScer. I hope you will forgive the liberty I take in thus reminding you of the application.
I have the Honor to be Sir
Your most humble and obedient Servant Edward Cooke, Esqr., &c. &c. &c. E. Mathews.
Endorsed: 8d Jaly 1808. Col. Mathews.
[ Q 311-2, p 443 ]
memorial op the merchants of MONTREAL. Appendix E. [No. L]
On the seizure of the property of the Miohilimackinac Company by the Americans in 1807 in violation of the Treaty between Great Britain and the United States.
To His Excellency Sir James Henry Craig Knight of the most honorable order of the Bath, Captain General and Governor in Chief in and over the Provinces of Lower Canada, Upper Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and their several dependencies, Vice Admiral of the same, General and Commander of all His Majesty's Forces in the said Provinces, and in their several Dependencies, and in the Island of Newfoundland &c. &c. &c.
The Memorial of the Merchants of Montreal carrying on Trade to Miohilimackinac and the Indian Country within the Territory of the United States.
MEMORIAL OF MONTREAL MERCHANTS.
251
Most respectfully sheweth,
That it is with great regret they find themselves under the necessity of again troubling Your Excellency with their complaints against oflBcers of the Government of the United States, but that necessity arises from the outrage committed, and before complained of, being still unredressed.
That the subject may be fully before Your Excellency, without reference to their former memorial, they take the liberty of again stating the facts, with such observations thereon as circumstances so extraordinary suggest.
The case stands thus; The Company trading from Montreal, under the firm of the Michilimackinac Company, who are subjects of His Majesty, dispatched, early in May last, from La Chine a number of Batteaux, or boats, laden with merchandise intended eventually for trade to the Indian Country, and which were ordered to pro- ceed and were proceeding by the accustomed route (being that uni- formly practised since the cession of the posts by the treaty of 1794) up the river of St Lawrence and round the Lakes to the island of St Joseph, a British Post (without any idea of interme- diate trade) at which post they were to be met by the agents of the Company (who went up by the Ottawa's River) and there to receive instructions respecting their ulterior destination. A consid- erable time previous to the departure of those boats a mission was sent to Washington under the sanction of Your Excellency, to ascer- tain through His Majesty's Ministers whether it was the intention of the American Government to continue to act upon the permanent part of the Treaty of 1794, as to the admission of British subjects to participate in the Indian Trade within their territory, or to con- sider it at an end; as upon such ascertainment the agents of the company at St Joseph's were to regulate their further proceedings after the arrival of the said boats at that British post. At the departure of those Boats from La Chine the answer from Washing- ton was not received.
The object of such ascertainment had no relation to the naviga- tion by the usual route round the Lakes, such being considered a common right, unquestionably secured by treaty, and foreign to that respecting Trade with the American Territory. Accordingly the Boats proceeded onwards, in full faith and confidence that whatsoever might be the determination of the American Government respecting the said Indian Trade, the common use of the waters along the
252
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Internal communication, dividing the two Countries, would still be held sacred.
Those Boats went forward as usual without interruption until the 21st day o£ May last, when the first division of them arrived at the entrance of Niagara Kiver from Lake Ontario, where there are British and American Garrisons nearly opposite to each other. In the middle waters of that River, or even nearer to the former than the latter garrison, the Boats were fired upon with Musket Ball by a party of Soldiers in a Boat dispatched from the American Fort; when two with their Cargoes were forcibly seized and carried back to the American Garrison, and there got over to the British side, after the crews had narrowly escaped death ; for so near were they to the British side when fired upon, and so marked the hostility of the procedure, that gome of the Balls fired reached the land on that side. Those who Committed this outrage having learned that other Boats belonging to the same company were following along Lake Ontario, a Boat with soldiers was dispatched from the Amer- ican Fort to intercept them, and succeeded in forcibly seizing six more in the open Lake, making in all eight Boats, the whole of which with their Cargoes have been since unjustly detained, in direct violation of the Treaty of 1794, and to the great injury and heavy loss of the said Michilimackinac Company.
Not satisfied with this signal outrage upon the stipulations of that Treaty, an American Boat with soldiers proceeded to a much greater distance along the Lake to seize also nine other Boats, still further behind, and actually pursued them above thirty miles; but in that superlatively aggravated intention they were happily foiled as those nine Boats had received intimation of what had passed, by one dispatched from the British side which occasioned their return to Kingston; from whence they proceeded round by the North side of Lake Ontario, after a great number of the men had in consequence of this violent attack deserte(J, who were replaced by others hired and sent up from Montreal at a heavy expence.
Application, in consequence of the outrage and seizure, was, under the sanction of Your Excellency, made by His Majesty's Minister to the Government of the United States for reparation; and an order thereon was issued by the Secretary of the American Treasury to restore the Boats & Property so seized; but upon con- dition of giving bond in double the value, to abide by the deci-'v sion of the American Courts, and requiring other preliminaries which could not be agreed to by the memorialists without acknowl-
MEMORIAL OF MONTREAL MERCHANTS.
253
edging American jurisdiction in a question foreign to it, and thereby abandoning the strong ground whereon they stand as British subjects pursuing their lawful business under common rights of free navigation, solemnly secured by the Treaty of 1794 (whereby the post of Niagara, from whence the said outrage was committed, was delivered up to the States), and especially the third article of that treaty.
Their property therefore remains in custody of the Custom House Officers of the United States at Niagara, upon pretext of awaiting a decision in their Courts, to the competency of which the memo- rialists object, and maintain that the question is alone determinable by the Governments of the two Countries, as involving matter of serious national insult, as well as infringement of private British rights founded upon national compact.
In support of this view of the subject, the Memorialists have to observe" to Your Excellency, that by the third permanent article of the Treaty of 1794, His Majesty's subjects, and the citizens of the United States have common and equal rights to the free navigation of the waters where the seizure was made, which being the result of a joint stipulation, no impediment to such free navigation can be legally interposed by any legislative act or proceeding of any officer of one of the contracting parties, to affect the rights of the subjects of the other party, without the previous consent of their Sovereign.
Upon this principle the Michilimackinac Company contend, that neither the American embargo, non-importation, or any other act of the States, can govern the present case, or control or regulate the right of navigation stipulated by the said Treaty.
That the requirement of British Boats, when coasting the Lakes from one British port to another, to report or make entry at American Custom houses (when there is no intention of trade) would amount to a control, regulation, and impediment of the Lake Navigation, destructive of its freedom and wholly foreign to the intention of the contracting parties, as will be seen by reference to the treaty, which specially stipulates for allowing regulation to the exercise of free navigation in small vessels between Montreal and (Quebec, and for the free passage of goods across portages, in order to prevent frauds, but authorizes no other regulation whatso- ever; consequently, if a special provision was needful to authorise regulation in respect to such rights as were to be exercised within the acknowledged exclusive territory and jurisdiction of one party,
254
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
how much more necessary would special stipulation have been to authorise either party, by its separate act, to regulate objects com- mon to both such as particularly in navigation of waters dividing their respective Territories.
The Memorialists have understood, that the custom house officer who directed the seizure of the Boats, pretends to justify himself upon the ground that the Boats could not have coasted the Lake without touching the land, although he neither had nor could have a knowledge whether such was the fact, but this is a mere sub- terfuge, for the right of Lake navigation, common to both nations, necessarily implies its being exercised in a way practicable to the Vessel's navigation, whether decked or open. If the former she must sometimes anchor when the wind is contrary, and if the lat- ter stop on the beach, without any infringement, in point of good faith, when there is no purpose of trade, or any object in stop- ing beyond the necessity of waiting for wind, weather or day light, to resume the voyage: such a quibble would render the object of the contracting parties a mere nullity, and even a common highway, the boundary between two adjoining nations; as well might it be argued, that the fair use of a resting place on either side, occa- sionally to relieve a weary traveller would be prohibited in the exercise of free passage.
The outrage complained of involves two distinct points of con- sideration: one affecting the national dignity, by the insult offered thereto in sight of a British Garrison, and in waters of common right, by the marked hostility of firing upon His Majesty's Sub- jects, when defenceless, by armed soldiers of the United States; the other, an attack upon the rights and property of British subjects, whereby they have sustained great pecuniary loss and damage, requiring indemnity.
As to the first point, the Memorialists consider that it would be presumptuous in them to suggest the quantum or kind of redress fit to be insisted upon, such remains with His Majesty's Ministers, but they cannot avoid observing, that it is not a little extraordinary that those who are so clamorous for general free navigation in cases neither authorised by the law or practice of nations should themselves so arrogantly violate the rights of free lake navigation when specially secured by a compact to which they are a party; and that those who were so irritable in the case of the Chesapeake, where a provocation not to be borne was previously given by them.
MEMORIAL OF MONTREAL MERCHANTS.
255
should so unfeelingly fire, without any notice upon unarmed men who never offered them even a shadow of pretence for so doing.
As to the second point vizt. the heavy loss and damage sustained by the seizure of their property a statement of which is annexed the memorialists intreat that Your Excellency will be pleased to lay the same before His Majesty's Ministers that a full pecuniary indemnity to them for the injury in all its consequences may be demanded and obtained from the Government of the United States. Such cannot be less than 20,000 £ exclusive of actual cost and charges of the goods and absolute disbursements in various ways made respecting the same, making, in the whole, the sum 26,842 £ 5 s 6 d Sterling. The said sum will be found moderate, when it is considered that the value of a year's outfit for the trade exceeds 80,000 <£, the plans for which were not only deranged by the seiz- ure of goods forming a necessary part of the assortment, but the discouragement of the partners, clerks, and men, of the concern, who winter among the Indians, has thereby been such as to create a despair of success; and consequently will produce a diminution of exertion, when they see so evident a proof of a plan to render it unavailing.
The above however are not the only grievances respecting the United States, of which the memorialists have to complain, in common with other British subjects trading to the Indian Country within the American territory; for they have long suffered under the requirement of passes, extortion in duties, and vexations in various ways, which the treaty, according to its fair intent and meaning, does not authorize as what can be more evasive, oppress- ive, and preposterous, than the American mode of exacting the duties on goods carried by British subjects from Canada into the American Territory, upon a scale of calculation that in its principle might in some cases subject them to the repayment of nearly double duty; and in no case, on articles rated ad valorem, does it amount to less than an eighth part more duty than is paid on the like articles by an American at an Atlantic port.
Surely such never could be the meaning of a stipulation about duties, made for the very purpose of assuring an equality in that respect to Indian traders, whether British or American, wherein they might come into contact.
Your Memorialists have for some time seen progressing, with extreme concern, a systematic plan to drive the British Indian
256
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
traders from the American territory, by every species of vexation; and they must soon succeed, if His Majesty's Government does not take up their cause with decision ; for it was with feelings of a very unpleasant kind, that they found the negociators with America appointed under the late Ministry, postpone the discussion of their grievances (although fully represented) to an indefinite period, with- out any stipulation for the cessation of those fiscal extortions under which they were and are in the meantime suffering.
The Memorialists, therefore, take the liberty of impressing upon Your Excellency's attention, for the information of His Majesty's Ministers, the following considerations: —
That the Indian trade within the American Limits must speedily be abandoned by British subjects, if not protected against interrup- tions of free navigation of the Lakes, fiscal extortions and various other vexations: that if once abandoned, it can never be regained and with its abandonment, will finish British influence with the Indian Nations residing within the limits of Canada: that British Traders have materially aided in^ preserving that influence hitherto, the conviction of which is the strong motive with the American Government for wishing, by every means they can devise, to exclude such traders.
If therefore, the minds of His Majesty's Ministers shall be made up# to the loss of that portion of Indian Trade carried on within the American territory (which indeed is nearly the whole, except the North West) and to the extinction of influence amongst the Indian Tribes, as aforesaid, then, in such case, it will only be necessary to obtain reimbursements to British Traders of past fiscal extortions and indemnity for the losses and damages consequent upon the late seizure of the property of the Michilimackinac Com- pany, as also a consideration for the abandonment of their Estab- lishment in the Indian Country.
, But if His Majesty's Government shall consider such trade and influence as fit to be preserved, that can only be done by obtain- ing reimbursement and indemnity forthwith, in respect to the past, and assurance of exemption from impositions and vexations in future.
And further, the memorialists are of opinion that if British traders do not obtain the right of going to the West side of the Mississippi, to trade as heretofore (the exclusion from which the Americans are now rigidly enforcing, upon pretext of that country not being comprehended in the treaty of 1794) they must, in any
MEMORIAL OF MONTREAL MERCHANTS. 257
event, soon abandon the trade to the East of the Mississippi as an object not worth pursuing.
The Memorialists consider it proper to add, that they are able to substantiate the various facts herein set forth ; they therefore, most respectfully entreat Your Excellency to lay their complaint and observations before His Majesty's Ministers that such measures may be adopted as in their wisdom shall seem meet for obtaining the needful redress in the premises.
And they will ever pray &c.
Montreal, 20th Oct. 1808.
FOESYTH, ElCHARDSON & Co.
McTavish, McGilliveay & Co. James & A. McGill & Co. Parker, Gerraed Ogilvie & Co.
Estimate of the Loading of eight Batteaux or Boats the property of the Michilimackinac Company seized on the waters of Lake Ontario and in the entrance of Niagara Kiver by John Lees Collector of the American Customs of the Port of Niagara on the 21st May 1808, with the various Expences and Damages incurred
in consequence of the said seizure.
£ S. D.
Prime cost and charges at Montreal of the Goods 5218. 11. 5
Expence of these Boats including men's wages, provis- ions, &c 826. — . 6
Expences incurred by desertion of men in consequence of the seizure; men, wages to replace, deserters, pro- visions, &c 570. 13. 7
Expenses incurred by Messrs. Michaels and Nicholl on their mission to Washington, and Mr. Bleakley to Niagara 225. — . -
Injury sustained by the seizure in derangement of the trade, vizt:
Our business was at a stand for a considerable time, not knowing whether the rest of the boats might not meet the same fate; the progress of our affairs was thereby arrested at St. Joseph's, and the whole of the goods to make out our outfits eventually dis-assorted , which were in consequence made very deficient and incomplete, 33
258
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
more particularly with respect to guns, gunpowder, & £ S. D.
Blankets, Articles indispensible in our trade; from this
circumstance resulted many doubts in the minds of the
people in general, and particularly the Indians, with
respect to our rights within the American Jurisdiction,
threw a damp on our credit, in the country & led to
the most injurious consequences 20. — . —
Sterling £26,842 - 5 - 6
Montreal, 20th Octr. 1808.
F. K. & Co. McT., McG. & Co. J. & A. McG. & Co. P., G., O. & Co.
[ Q 130-2, p 238 ]
SIR JAMES H. ORAIG, K. B., TO LORD CASTLEREAGH.
[No. 37.]
Quebec, 29th October 1808.
My Lord,
I have the honor herewith to transmit to Your Lordship a copy of a Memorial which [I have recently received from the Merchants of Montreal who are concerned in the Trade with the Indians within the Territory of the United States. I understand the sub- ject of this memorial to be of great importance to the Trade car- ried on by these Gentlemen with the value of which Your Lord- ship is too well acquainted for it to be necessary that I should enlarge upon it. Having already had occasion to write to Mr. Erskine, His Majesty's Minister at Washington on the same subject, I inclose also copies of my Letters* to him respecting it. I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obedient
humble Servant
J. H. Craig.
The Rt. Honble Lord Castlereagh, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: Lower Canada, 29th Octobr. 1808. Sir James Craig. No. 37. R. 5th Decemr. (Three Incloeures.)
♦For Letters see pages .
LETTER TO SIR JAMES H. CRAIG.
259
LETTER TO SIR JAMES H. CRAIG, K. B.
[No. 19.] Downing Street, 8th April 1809.
To Gen. Sir J. H. Cr^, K. B., &c. &c. &c.
•Sir,
I have written to you a separate Dispatch recommending to you to investigate the circumstances of the Indians Inhabiting or fre- quenting Upper or Lower Canada, I am to advert to your Letter on the subject of the Indian Tribes as viewed in a political Light.
Under an undefined Kelation with the United States of America I entirely concur in your position, that attention must be kept up to conciliate the Indian Tribes upon the following principle, that if in a contest they are not employed to act with us they will be engaged to act against us; and we are to consider, not so much iheiT use as allies as their destructiveness of Enemies.
I shall therefore be ready to support the temporary arrangements you may find it necessary to make in this view.
Should an amicable adjustment take place with the American States it is possible that some joint system as to the treatment of the Indian Nations may be agreed upon which would form the basis of a permanent arrangement with them.
Whilst you remain in the Government of Lower Canada and Lieutenant Governor Gore acts so perfectly in concert ^ with your suggestions, there does not seem any immediate necessity for alter- ing the system for paying the expences of the Indian Department, tho I agree with you in considering that the vesting the controul of that Dept. [in the Civil Administration and making the payment of it flow from the Military Chest is liable to much objection. I wish however to defer any alteration of system till I receive a more detailed statement respecting the Indian Tribes, the nature & extent of assistance which is proper to be afforded them and the manner in which that assistance should be given and the Department conducted.
In the meantime I am to express His Majesty's approbation of your reappointing Mr. Elliott for the reasons you have stated to succeed Captain McKee and of allowing Captain McKee to receive till further orders, his allowance at the Rate of Ten Shillings a <lay.
Endorsed: Dft.
To General Sir J. H. Craig, K. B., &c. &c. &c. No. 19. April 1809.
[ Q 109, p 99 ]
260
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
MEMORANDA OF THE COMMITTEE OF TRADE AT MONTREAL.
[No. 2.]
Memorandum of Points, wherein Canada ,Jjas an Interest whicb may come into discussion in the approaching Negociation with the United States of America and which are most respectfully submitted to the consideration of His Majesty's Minister Plenipotentiary.
That vessels belonging to the United States should as heretofore be entirely prohibited from entering the Kiver St Lawrence by Sea, or departing therefrom. As upon the continuance of this prohibi- tion or exclusion, essentially depends the importance of the Canadas to the Mother Country. On no account (even by the offer of any equivalent) should this principle of vital Interest to these Colonies be departed from else the consequences will be most serious. Upon this point attempts will be made to obtain concessions, which are the more necessary to be guarded against at the very threshold of the negociation, if introduced because an able pamphlet appeared about two years ago, written by a well informed American Gentle- man, recommending that the free navigation of the Eiver St Law- rence to, and from the Sea, should be insisted upon, as a sine qua non, in the case of a future Treaty, by reason of the immense quantities of Lumber, Potash, Pork, Wheat, Flour, and probably of Hemp, which the settlements daily forming by the American Peo- ple on the borders of Lake Champlain, and on the banks of the St Lawrence, to the South of the Boundary Line of 45 Degrees north Latitude, are capable of producing, and which they would wish to carry to^a market in their own shipping.
The reasons adduced for such a wish on the part of the States^ are precisely those which should operate with us for rigidly exclud- ing their navigation by that Eiver to and from the Sea, and of permitting none to the north of the Line of 45, but such as is allowed by the treaty of 1794 to American Vessels between Mon- treal and Quebec under such regulations as it may be found neces- sary to adopt to prevent illicit trade.
This Indulgence coupled with the practical admission to entry, of American produce conveyed in British Bottoms from Canada to British and Colonial ports, upon the same scale of duties as if the actual produce of Canada is sufficiently liberal and ought not to be extended further, even if they were to offer a free trade to all the Indian Country, within their territory as hereinafter more particu- larly remarked upon. Indeed such Indulgence, and such admission
MEMORANDA OF THE COMMITTEE OP TRADE. 261
upon equal Duties seem in themselves a sufficient equivalent for a free Indian Trade.
It may be proper and useful to observe, that from Lake Cham- plain and the Banks of the St Lawrence and Lake Ontario, as well within the British as the American Territory, immense quantities of Masts & Spars, Oak & Pine Timber Staves Plank and other Lumber ^have (especially during the last two years) been brought to Quebec and shipped off from thence. — These articles are capable of great encrease, and it is to be remarked, cannot possibly be exported through any other channel. Hence the object to Great Britain in the employment thereby of National shipping and in assuring supplies of such articles beyond the caprice of the North- ern powers, is past all calculation, and should be preserved at all hazards without allowing the Americans to participate therein by "their vessels. It is also further to be remarked that the bulky pro- duce of the Lands, when cultivated within the Countries above- said, will also have the like natural outlet for conveyance to market in British shipping from Quebec & Montreal.
That no stipulation should be agreed to for allowing the States any advantage in trade or navigation with the United Kingdom beyond what the most favored foreign nation shall enjoy unless in cases, where an express equivalent, shall be given therefore and particularly that no engagement should be entered into, which shall prevent such advantages being given to British Colonial Trade and supplies, over those from the United States as the wisdom & policy of Government and Parliament shall see fit.
That no Trade should be permitted between the said States and ihe British Possessions in Asia and Africa — without an equivalent being obtained for such permission; because the Americans by their Trade to India, are thereby enabled to engross almost wholly the supply of the British Colonies in East India Commodities.
That the Treaty should contemplate the entire prohibition in the British West Indies, of ffish from the States as the Mother Coun- try and her remaining colonies are perfectly adequate to the full supply of that article.
That no Engagement should be entered into which can preclude the prohibition of every other article from the States which experi- ence may prove can be fully supplied from the British Dominions and that whilst American Supplies of any kind are tolerated in the West Indies, there should be no stipulation to prevent the
262
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
levying of such Duties thereon, as shall be sufficient to afford a preference to British and colonial supplies of the like articles — And also no stipulation to prevent the prohibition of American shipping- from being Carriers of Supplies to the Islands when seen advisable to confine the same to British.
That restrictions should be imposed upon the Americans fishing^ in the Grulph of St Lawrence and on the Coast of Labrador (one thousand sail annually being by them employed therein) or rather a total exclusion therefrom, if practicable as that question may now admit of being opened up, seeing that the American has exparte (by the non -intercourse act) dissolved the permanent parts of the^ treaty of 1794. — Consequently by parity of right, the British Gov- ernment may dissolve such of the articles of the treaty of 1783, as are found to be injurious to the Nation; of which description, clearly is the permission to fish as abovesaid.
That if the Question of Dissolution of Treaties by Reason of the- said Act of Congress, should be discussed it would be more impor- tant to Canada to obtain a new Boundary Line which in such case should be, (and originally ought to have been) the height of land dividing the waters which have their Outlet into the Sea Coast of the States, from those which have their outlet by the Lakes and Eiver St Lawrence.
That if the Question of General Dissolution be considered too broad to be opened up, there can be no doubt that Great Britain is in consequence of such exparte breach by America of the treaty of 1794, exhonorated from all the stipulations thereof affecting Brit- ish Interests — and therefore discussions upon that principle may of right be entered into for correcting the injuries experienced during' the operation of that treaty which on the part of Great Britan was nevertheless executed with the most scrupulous good faith and lib- erality; whilst on the part of the States or the officers thereof, there seemed to be a studied plan for thwarting the rights of British subjects under it by every vexation and impediment that could be devised.
That nothing has been more injurious to the direct trade between the Mother Country and Canada, than the stipulation in the treaty of 1794 fixing duties on the admission of Commodities by Land and Inland Navigation in which there is no practical reciprocity: because the scales of duties in the States and in Canada are so widely different as to amount almost to an interdiction of entry of
MEMORANDA OF THE COMMITTEE OF TRADE. 263
goods form the latter into the former and therefore it is indispensi- ble that the future rule as to internal Commercial Intercourse should be to take the American Scale of Duties at the time, as the stan- dard and to have the right of levying to the same extent on each article brought into Canada from the States (Skins & ffurs however on both sides to be wholly free from duty as before) as they would exact on the like articles, if carried from Canada into their Terri- tory, and it might be politic to prohibit entirely East India Goods from the States were it not that there is such a facility for smug- gling along a widely extended frontier, as to induce a reasonable doubt whether a system of Corrective Duties as above proposed would not be better calculated to prevent illicit trade than a total prohibition.
That such Vexations and Impositions have been experienced respecting the prosecution of Indian Trade within the American Territory under the treaty of 1794 that a complete remedy cannot be applied thereto unless a Line of demarcation for that trade should be agreed upon within which no duties on goods for the use of the Indians should be levied on either side and within which there should be a perfectly free ingress and egress to traders — the Country within the limits of the Hudson's Bay Company however to be always excepted as it is in the treaty of 1794— such line of Demarcation, might on the one side run from the entrance of Lake Huron through that Lake and Lake Michigan to Chicago — then across to the Illinois Kiver and down the same to the Mississippi — then up that Eiver to the mouth of the Missouri, and ascend the latter to its source: and on the other side might run from the entrance of Lake Huron along the same to the mouth of the French Kiver and thence on a Line due north. The Indian Trade within such Lines of Demarcation to be free to both parties with the exception of the Hudson's Bay Country as abovesaid.
That it is especially to be observed that if British traders be excluded from the Missouri and the west side of the Mississippi, as has lately been done, they must soon abandon the Indian Trade to the East of that River, and within the other parts of the Amer- can Territory as unimportant and unprofitable. This object in any discussion about Indian trade cannot therefore be lost sight of — and it is important to remark that previous to the purchase of Louis- iana by the States British traders always resorted to the West side of the Mississippi and were permitted to pass through the American
264
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Territory for that purpose, but even supposing that the states pos- sess the right of excluding British Traders therefrom, there are a sufficiency of means for obtaining a removal of that exclusion by furnishing an equivalent to the states out of some of the many advantages, hitherto gratuitously allowed them in trade to the Brit- ish possessions in Asia & Africa as well as elsewhere — another means of obtaining a participation in that trade would be to insist upon it as a condition in fixing a boundary line between Canada and Louisiana to the Westward and Northward of the Mississippi, which line having never been agreed upon, and being an object with the States presents to us a strong hold on that head especially as British Traders explored and occupied, in respect to trade, the Country situate between the sources of the Mississippi and the Mis- souri, long before the purchase of Louisiana by the States which circumstance might confer reasonable pretensions even to Great Britain having the Missouri even as a jurisdictional boundary on that side.
The Americans seem to aim at Establishments in Trade beyond the Rocky Mountains, and on the Eiver Columbia, to which they have no pretensions by Discovery either by Water or Land, the right in both cases clearly belonging to Great Britain by the discoveries of Cook, Vancouver and Mackenzie. No establishment of the States on that River or on the coast of the Pacific should therefore be sanctioned.
As the territorial line by the treaty of 1783 from the Lake of the Woods has not been ascertained, and on a west course could never touch the Mississippi, it would 'be desirable that a new line could be agreed upon. In such case the River St Louis at the Bottom of Lake Superior, and the nearest River thereto which falls into the Mississippi would be very proper as being natural & not liable to be mistaken, as lines are which have only a conventional existence. The line of these Rivers would leave the whole of the Northwest trade within British jurisdiction and be highly beneficial to it.
On the subject of Boundaries, it is also to be observed that there are a number of Islands in the Lakes and River St. Laurence (some of which are valuable) the jurisdiction thereof has never been ascertained: and therefore care must be taken, if a Division thereof be proposed, that the final arrangement in that respect should be agreed to, until an examination of the locality thereof shall first be
MEMORANDA OP THE COMMITTEE OF TRADE.
265
made upon the spot by Commissioners and their Eeport obtained else unfair advantages may be taken as was the case at the com- mencement of President Jefferson's Administration, when a treaty was allowed by our Government to be framed by Mr. King the American Minister in London, upon that point, in his own way but which fortunately fell through from the said Presidents, refus- ing to ratify it although procured at his own solicitation.
That two hundred thousand pounds of capital was formerly embarked in the Indian Trade within the American Territory and the existing British Capital there is at present in Great Danger; and if the right to trade to the West side of the Mississippi, and up the Missouri cannot be obtained then the next preferable alter- native would be a stipulation for the withdrawal of the Property of British Traders from the Indian Country, within the said Terri- tory and abandoning the Trade here but under a liberal pecuniary allowance to be made to them for the sacrifice of their trading establishments, and Indian debts.
And in whichever way the Question as to the future Limits, and free exercise of Indian Trade may be settled, a full pecuniary indemnity to the Michilimackinac Company should be obtained, for the injury done to them in 1808, by the seizure of their Boats at Niagara, which they estimate at £20,000 although the Goods and Boats have been since returned. This is a most serious matter for that company and merits due consideration. — .
Amongst the vexations above alluded to, as experienced by British Traders, during the operation of the Treaty of 1794, and which require prevention in future, if the Indian Trade within the Amer- ican Territory be continued, are;
Impositions upon Traders in the mode of calculating duties, which subjects them to extortion.
Obstructions to the free Navigation of the lakes by seizing Boats when coasting the Lakes from one British Port to another as was done in 1808 at Niagara as abovesaid and at Michilimackinac on a former occasion.
Making difficulties about admission of liquors to entry, unless in Casks of a size which are impracticable to be carried in boats, or Canoes used in the Transport of Merchandize to the Indian Coun- try, and threatening to require all goods to be in the original English Packages, which cannot be, as they must be repacked into 34
266
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
small parcels adapted for the commuDication being carried over Port- ages on men's backs.
Eequiring British Traders to take passes and subjecting them to pay for such passes, although contrary to the spirit of the Treaty of 1794, and more particularly the explanatory article of 1796, which was framed to remove all possibility of doubt as to the right of free Trade, without any other pass port than the treaty itself.
Exacting Tonnage duties on British Vessels entering American Ports on the Lakes, from which their own are exempt in the said ports, and also pay more on entering British Lake Ports.
In respect to the extortions consequent upon the mode practised by the American Collectors, of calculating duties at the interior ports, they arise by their first adding a greater per oentage for charges of conveyance, on Goods sent from England through Canada to the Indian Country, than they add on the like articles when imported from England into the States, consequently an indefinite principle is thereby established, which in most cases amounts to an over charge equal to about one fifth part of the fair duties, and may in some cases be made to extend to a half or more beyond the fair rate because the duties (when ad valorem) being calculated at so much per cent on the first cost, including such additions for charges, it might so happen that if carried so far into the interior before reaching an American Port of Entry as that the Charges equalled the Original cost of the Goods, the duties would by this mode be nearly doubled — and it presents this evident absurdity that the same article on entering the States would not every where pay equal duty, but a rate, (if through Canada) increasing in proportion to the distance of the internal port of entry from the Sea Coast, now the Canada Trader justly contends, that the meaning of the Treaty of 1794 was, that a] given quantity of Merchandize when brought to any internal Port for Indian Trade, should have paid the like amount of duty, and no more, through whatsoever channel it may have been conveyed thither in order that both parties, where they came in contact, might possess equal advantages, and be liable to equal burthens in that traffic.
To suppose that the Posts of Niagara, Detroit, and Michilimack- inac would have been given up upon a stipulation for a participa- tion in the Indian Trade carried on therefrom upon a scale of duties such as the American Collectors so unjustly impose, is sup- posing a substance to be exchanged for a shadow.
MEMORIAL OP PRIDEAUX SELBY.
26T
It is proper to add, that in providing against future extortions it should also be stipulated that the past be refunded.
It is respectfully submitted if the affair of the Chesapeake so much clamoured about, should yet be resumed; whether the outrage committed at Niagara in May 1808 by firing upon British Subjects in British Boats, under the nose of a British Garrison, and the more recent, and more atrocious outrage committed by Captain Ben- nett of the United States army who entered Upper Canada with a party of his men armed and after seizing there a Deserter put him to death upon British Territory in Cold Blood; are not such setts off, as fully extinguish that difficulty.
MoNTEEAL, 30th September 1809.
Endorsed: No. 2, Sept. 1809.
Copy Minates transmitted by the Committee of Trade at Montreal, thro' Sir James Craig to Mr Jackson, His Majesty's Minister in the United States.
[ Q 113, p 231 ]
MEMOEIAL OF PEIDEAUX SELBY.
To His Excellency Francis Gore, Esquire, Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, <fec. &c. &c.
The Memorial and Petition of Prideaux Selby, Esquire, an Hon- orary Member of His Majesty's Executive Council. Sheweth,
That Your Memorialist was under the necessity of purchasing a House and offices to carry on his duty as secretary of Indian Affairs, when the post of Detroit was ordered to be evacuated, there having been no provision made by Government at Sandwich, or at Amherst- burg for Lodging any of the Department.
That having been stationed there since the year 1790 Your Memo- rialist had reason to believe it was his fixed place of residence, and expended considerable sums of money in necessary buildings and other improvements.
That in consequence of Your ' Excellency's order to Your Memo- rialist in October 1807 to remove himself and his ofiioe to the seat of Government he has been obliged to form a new Establishment at this place, at great expense, having lost all the benefit of hi® former expenditures, his House and premises at Sandwich being, ever since untenanted and rapidly going to decay.
268
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Your Memorialist therefore humbly sollioits Your Excellency in consideration of this loss of property, that fyou will be pleased to move His Majesty's Ministers to put him on the same footing with other Executive Counsellors who have been remunerated by grants of the waste Lands of the Crown, to cover the expenses incident to their removal to this place.
And Your Memorialist will ever pray.
P. Selby.
YoBK, Upper Canada, 17th November 1809. [ Q 316, p 195 ]
JOHN EICHARDSON TO THOMAS FORSYTH.
[No. 3.]
Extract of a Letter for John Richardson, Esqr., of Montreal, to Thomas Forsyth, Esqr., London.
New York, 17th Feb. 1810.
" I arrived here the 14th inst for the purpose of negociating ^' along with Mr. McGillivray, an arrangement for the sale of Mr.
Astor of the Interests of the Michilimackinac Company. To this *' measure nothing but dire necessity would induce me to consent, ^' but it seems to be evident under present circumstances, that unless
something ' of the kind can be effected, utter ruin to the property "invested in that concern must be the consequence — So many impedi- " ments are thrown in the way of the Trade, that it is impossible " to be carried on profitably, under such depreciation of returns when
obtained. If we fail with Mr. Astor, a journey to Washington " will be requisite to know upon what footing we shall stand, the ** ensuing season, as by the existing non -intercourse act, we are " prohibited ingress and egress with supplies and returns. This is a "direct infringement of the ten permanent articles of the treaty of " 1794 and yet the Lords of Trade (as appears by copy of a report " upon the Canada Memorial communicated by Sir James Craig) "consider that treaty as not at an end; but upon what principle it " can be competent to one party to do away one side of a joint " contract, and yet keep the other party bound, I am at a loss to " comprehend. "
Endoreed: No. 3.
Extract of a Letter dated New York, 17 Feb. 1810.
[ Q 114, p 243 ]
CAPT. MATHEW ELLIOTT TO WILLIAM GLAUS. 269^^ CAPT. MATHEW ELLIOTT TO WM. GLAUS, DEP. SUPT. GEN.
Amherstburg, 9th July 1810.
SlE,
The Saukies and Foxes to the number of 125 arrived here some days ago, and on the 3d Inst demanded a Council when, in pres- ence of all the Officers of the Grarrison the Chiefs first spoke on a Pipe, saying they had come with their warriors and young men to hear their Father's word, that they were all of one mind, and would faithfully attend to what he might tell them.
They pleaded great poverty and requested some cloathing, kettles and other necessaries for themselves, women and children.
The warriors then spoke on their Pipe as follows. They said the Pipe was on the same subject as those left here some years ago from the Nadowepies and them, and they much wished to see them now they continued, the warriors, with our chiefs and young men, have come here to know our Fathers Sentiments, we are all of one mind and only wait our Father's words. If our Father wishes a bad say, we are all ready at a moment's warning, present only this Pipe to us, we want no other token. If one half of the day may have passed fair we can make the remaining part so embroiled m to make the one half like the whole. We expect our Father will smoke out of our Pipe as he has done out of that of the Chiefs; We hold our Father fast by the hand and will never let go our hold. They then begged some guns and ammunition for their young warriors and then presented their Pipe, which with that of their Chiefs I have now here.
I returned them for answer (on Six Strings of Wampum each to Chief and warriors) that I was exceedingly happy to hear them express such manly sentiments and to hear them also determine to listen to their Father's words, as good & faithful children. That it was always their Father's advice to them to be unanimous and to hold him fast by the hand.
I advised them to observe a peaceable conduct towards all Nations- and to each other and told them that if their Father wanted them, they should have the token they left with me presented to them that their former Pipes which they so much desired to see were with their Great Father & that I expected they would soon be^
"270 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
returned here. They were accordingly handsomely supplied with most of the articles they had demanded.
I have the honor &o
M. Elliott, S. I. A.
The Honble William Glaus, Dept. S. Genl., Fort George.
Endorsed: Copy. A. Capt. Elliott's Letter to the Dep. Sapt. Genl. Amherstburg, 9th July 1810. In Gov. Sir J. H. Craig's 29th March 1811.
[ Q 114, p 66 ]
SUBSTANCE OF THE SPEECHES OE THE INDIANS AT THE COUNCIL AT THE BIG ROCK, GIVEN BY THE HURONS.
1st. A White Belt with strings. Red Jacket.
The Hurons well know that their Forefathers had only one object in view, vizt. to be at peace with all Nations and unanimous among themselves. That the Great Spirit had first placed the White Peo- ple on the other side the Great Lake, and the Red on this Con- tinent. He therefore wished them to be all of one mind, and for- ward the Speeches to the South West.
That in former days they had only one Bowl and one Spoon and used no knives, that their victuals were well cooked, and they amicably sat round and ate out of their Bowl together. He requests them to unite again and be as one man; if they did so they could help themselves should any thing happen. He begged his Speech might be sent in every direction even to the Sea Shore, and after having made the circuit of all the Nations to be returned to the Council Fire at Big Rock
2d. One four strings White Wampum.
He planted a tree at the door of the council House which was already full of leaves to shade them, and desired their Chiefs to sit down in the shade and deliberate only on good. The Root of the tree would extend to a great distance in every direction for the Chiefs to lay their Heads on, and if any animal wanted to destroy any of the roots they would pursue and strike them.
He gave them also a wing to fan and keep clean their Council Fire, and also a staff to drive away all offending animals. Should fluoh come & prove too powerful for them alone, they had only to ^ive the whoop.
COUNCIL AT THE BIG ROCK.
271
3rd. A White Belt. To .collect the Chunks (as it was interpreted) together and keep the fire burning.
4th. A Koad Belt from the Mohawks.
Laying open a plain and straight Koad free of any obstruction for their Western Brethren to the Council fire of the Six Nations removed from BuflPaloe Creek to the Grand River and from thence io the Council Fire of their Western Brethren at Big Rock.
5th. A Black and White Belt from the Cagnawagas was produced.
Their Compliments to their Western Brethren, could not attend themselves, but that the Wyandots knew perfectly well their senti- ments. An answer was required to the latter Belt, but the Wyan- dots said their Belt should remain with them one night and that as soon as they had got answers to former speeches they had sent io the different Nations they [would send^ them an answer.
On the non attendance of the Cognawagas, Red Jacket remarked "that he well knew the Cause— they were tied by the English whom •they called their Father.
6th. Black Belt and Strings to bind all Nations together that none could make a Breach over or under.
7th. Whitei and Black Strings — Red Jacket was well aware of the intentions of the Whites. The Nations here not travelling as he did know nothing of it. The United States and Great Britain were at Peace and of one Sentiment, and the Red Peoples Land was •daily encroached on, they listened too much to the whites and not to one another.
8th. White Strings. Red Jacket was going to open his Speech (he had indeed begun it with a proposition to know off their English Father, but was stopped by those of his own Nation.
He then said he had committed a mistake, and continued to tell them that they ought to listen to either of Whites, English or Americans who advised them to good things.
9th. White and Black Strings. To tie them all together so closely as never to be separated.
10th. White Strings. If ever they forget their present promises to each other the ground they stand upon would sink under them. That if they did not follow the straight good Road they would be entangled among Briars and Thorns.
11th. Black and White Strings. To the warriors of the Wyan- dott's Begging they would be quiet, and not interrupt the delibera- tion for good, that they were now placed behind their Mule's back.
272
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
12th. Black and White Strings. The women requesting the war- riors to be at peace with each other recommending also unanimity.
13th. White Strings. A bed with a very fine mat for them to lay down upon.
14th. Black and White Strings. Placing them by the Council Fire there to sit and think of nothing but good. If asked for news they must repeat what passed there.
M. Elliott, S. I. A.
Amheestbueg, 7th October 1810.
Endorsed: Copy, G.
Substance of Speeches of the Indians at the Council at Big Rock, given by the Hurons. Amherstburg, 7th Octr. 1810. In Sir J. H. Craig's 29th March 1811.
[Q114, p70]
CAPT MATTHEW ELLIOTT TO WM. GLAUS, DEP. SUPT. GEN.
Amheestburg, 16th October 1810.
SlE,
The herewith enclosed contains the Heads of what passed at the Council at Brown's Town, excepting the answer of the Hurons, who accused the Six Nations of perfidy and breach of faith almost on every occasion, telling them that they should keep their Speeches concealed and not circulate them among their Brother Nations.
So that Ked Jacket's mission appears to have proved abortive in every point of view. And I sincerely believe that the Indian Nations are no more ripe than ever for war, and would be more hearty in the cause than formerly should such a calamity again assail this Country; because they now see that their Interests are trampled upon by our neighbours — ^they publickly say so.
I dread indeed that they will of themselves soon commence hos- tilities and our Government will, (indeed already is) blamed for encouraging them, as may be seen in their Public Prints particu- larly in some documents published in Vincennes by Governor Harrison.
Your Letter of the 12th ulto inclosing a Copy of Capt John's to you was received some time after the Senecas left this, Hed Jacket and the others from Buffaloe Creek got on board the Camden in the Offing, but all, but him, who I believe was afraid of his life, and could not be moved, were obliged to go again on shore, except-
MEMORIAL OF THE NORTH WEST COMPANY.
273
iDg a few old chiefs who I procured a passage for: They then proceeded to Detroit where Governor Hull furnished them with a boat to carry them home. They passed this place in the middle of the Stream. I treated his party with coolness and sparingly.
I shall punctually attend to your directions respecting those who left the Grand Eiver.
and have the honor to be &c.
M. Elliott.
The Honble William Glaus, D. S. Genl., &c., Fort George.
Endorsed: Copy. R.
Capt. Elliott's Letter to the Depy Supt. General. Amherstbnrg, 16th Octr. 1810. In Sir J. H. Craig's 29 March 1811.
[Q114, p68]
MEMORIAL OF THE NORTH WEST 00. RESPECTING INDIAN TRADERS.
To His Excellency Francis Gore, Esquire, Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Upper Canada, &c. &c. &c.
The Memorial of William McGillivray, William Hallowell, Roderik McKenzie, Angus Shaw, Archibald Normand McLeod, and eTames Hallowell Junior, forming the House of McTavish, McGillivray & Co. as well for themselves as divers other persons their associates com- posing with them, the North West Company.
Humbly Sheweth,
That Your Memorialists in carrying on their Trade to the Indian Country, have been accustomed to forward a great proportion of their goods intended for their annual outfits, by way of Niagara and Detroit to their place of rendezvous on Lake Superior, for the transport of which and of the Flour, Corn, and High-wines fur- nished at Detroit and Sandwich, they have an Establishment of vessels on the Lakes plying to and from Fort Erie and St. Maries.
That Your Memorialists since the Cession of the Posts in 1796 by following the above Route, have on several occasions felt and are continually exposed to the vexatious interference of the American Custom House Officers; Your Memorialists having had their Boats and Property seized and detained, to their great annoyance and loss, and always without adequate or even any compensation or redress.
That Your Memorialists have been given to understand that it is in the contemplation of Your Excellency to open a Road and 35
274
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Establishment from Kempenfelt Bay to Petenquishingue Bay on Lake Huron, and Your Memorialists humbly conceive and beg leave to suggest to Your Excellency, That the Establishment of that Koad and Settlement would be more safe and eligible for the Transport of goods and provisions to the Upper Country than the Rank now followed as it will conduct Your Memorialists and others His Majesty's Subjects by a Eoad which will supercede the necessity of their following the Frontier of the Americans and from passing under their Forts and guns and free them also from the very vex- atious and arbitrary impositions of the American Government. Your Memorialists beg leave further to suggest to Your Excellency that the Country adjoining the said Road settled by His Majesty's sub- jects is susceptible of raising the Corn and Provisions which is wanted for Your Memorialist's Trade to the North West Country— That at the present time Your Memorialists are forced to procure their Corn and Provisions in a great measure from the Settlers within the American Government whereas if the Monies expended by Your Memorialists for Corn provisions and other necessary arti- cles on the American side and during their annual transit through part of their Country or on their frontiers were and could be expended within the Province, under Your Excellency's Command, and care and on the communication proposed, by Your Excellency, it might and would certainly be a source of support and advance- ment that would make that part of the Country a very flourishing settlement. That Your Memorialists feel a great desire to encour- age the said new communication proposed by Your Excellency and are ready and willing to give it every support: But inasmuch as Your Memorialists have been at a very considerable expence in establishing a line of Communication on the old Route, in erecting stores and Buildings and in the building and maintaining vessels on Lake Erie, yet Your Memorialists are willing whenever the said new Road can be considered practicable to change the channel of their communication and take all their Trade by the way of York and through the Road proposed by Your Excellency. That in abandoning the present Route Your Memorialists must necessarily make a sacrifice of their establishment, Buildings and Vessels on the old Route, and be put to very considerable expence in making new Establishments and in erecting new stores and Buildings &c. on the proposed Road, and at the Landing Place at Guilliamsbury. Taking the promises into consideration Your Memorialists trust that
INDIAN SPEECH.
275
Your Excellency will not deem it improper in them to apply to Your Excellency for a grant of the Waste Lands at each end of the said Koad, and at Guilliamsbury.
And Your Memorialists therefore humbly pray, That Your Excel- lency will be pleased to make to them in such manner as in Your Excellency's wisdom may seem proper, a grant of two thousand acres of the Waste Lands on the North Side of Kempenfelt Bay, where the said proposed Road will leave the said Bay, and Thousand acres of the waste Lands on the south side of Penetinguishingue Bay where the said proposed Road will come out on the last men- tioned Bay, and also a grant of two hundred acres of Land at the Landing Place at Guflliamsbury, for the purpose of making * an Establishment there and erecting store Houses and other Buildings.
And Your Memorialists as in duty bound, will ever pray.
W. McGlLLIVEAY,
Wm. Hallowell, Angus Shaw.
Montreal, 5th November 1810.
W. McGillivray for Roderick McKenzie, Wm. Hallowell for Archd. N. McLeod, Angus Shaw for James Hallowell, Junr., and others, their asso- ciates, the North West Company.
Endorsed: A.
Memorial of the North West Company relative to a new Route in Upper Canada.
[ Q 814, p 142 ]
INDIAN SPEECH.
Speech of Techkumthai brother to the Shawenese Prophet from the Potewatomes, Ottawaws Wenebegu and Sakies, who four days ago arrived here and received the Presents yesterday being in all 134 men 25 women and 8 children.
After a Condolence of 111 Strings Whiter Wampum for the death of Frederick Fisher who died on the 12th Inst and was interred yesterday, and wiping the tears from our eyes and calming our minds for his loss, he sat down for some time, on rising he said. Father,
1 have come here with the Intention of Informing you that we have not forgot (we never can forget) what passed between you
276
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
English men and our Ancestors. And also to let you know our present determination.
Father, '
We were about five years settled near Grenville when the Big Knife suspected us of plotting some mischief. We moved from thence and settled on the Wawbache.
Fathee,
We have a Belt to shew you, which was given to our King's when you laid the French on their back.
Here it is. Father; on one end is your hand, on the other, that of the Ked People (both hands in black W%,mpum, but the Indian End of the White Belt darker than the other) and in the middle the hearts of both. This Belt, Father our great Chiefs have been sitting upon ever since, keeping it concealed, and ruining our Coun- try. Now the warriors have taken all the chiefs and turned their faces towards you never again look towards the Americans, and we the warriors now manage the affairs of our Nation; and we sit at, or near, the Borders where the contest will begin.
Father,
It is only five years ago that I discovered this Belt and took it from under our King's.
Your Fathers have nourished us and raised us up from Child- hood, we are now men, and think ourselves capable of defending our Country, in which cause you have given us active assistance and always advice. We now are determined to defend it ourselves, and after raising you on your feet leave you behind but expecting you will push forwards towards us what may be necessary to supply our wants.
Father,
I intend proceeding towards the Mid Day, and expect before next Autumn and before I visit you again, that the business will be done — I request Father that you will be charitable to our King, women & children, the young men can more easily provide for themselves than they. He ordered the Belt to be passed round and handled & seen by every person present, saying they never would quit their Father or let go his hand.
CAPT. MATTHEW ELLIOTT TO WILLIAM GLAUS.
277
He concluded by saying that he and all those who came with him were extremely thankful for the ample presents they had received.
Present
Major Taylor 100th Regt Commanding
Captain Gore 100 do
Lieut. Newlan ) ^qq
Ens. Dawson )
Geo. Ironside Store K & Clerk
James Girty Interpreter
Amherstburg, 15th Nov. 1810.
M. Elliott, S. I. A.
Endorsed: Copy. F.
Speech of Techkumthai to the Shawanese Prophet, delivered at Amherstburg 15th Nov. 1810. In Sir J. H. Craig's 29 March 1811.
[ Q 114, p 77 ]
CAPT. MATTHEW ELLIOTT TO WM. CLAUS, DEP. SUPT. GEN.
Amheestbueg, 16th November 1810.
Sir,
I herewith inclose you a Speech of the Brother of the Shawanese Prophet which fully convinces me that our neighbours are on the eve of an Indian war, and I have no doubt that the Confederacy is almost general, particularly towards the quarter in which the Prophet resides.
In answer to their demand for a supply to their wants I can only tell them that I shall lose no time in laying their Speech before their Great Father for his directions on the subject, and I request that as soon as conveniently can be done, you will send me ample and explicit Instructions relating to my future conduct towards the Prophet & his Adherents. I am well aware that I cannot, and ought not, during the present circumstance of affairs do any thing overtly but whether it would not be proper to keep up among them the present spirit of resistance I wish to be Informed.
I have already served six "thousand Indians with their annual Pres- ents, and the Expenditure of Provisions from 24th Deer, last (the
278
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
period from which it appears the Annual Expenditure is calculated) to 24th Ulto. has been 70770 Rations and two months of the year yet to Kun. The excess is accounted for by a greater number of Indians than usual visiting the Post, and by the Supply to the Six Nations and Mohawks before and during Red Jacket's Council, and also to those who left the Grand River in the Spring and passed by this Place.
There being a great demand for Flags, I beg that some may be sent up next year as there are no means of getting the Bunting in Store made up.
18th November 1810.
Since writing the above, I called the Prophet's Brother to a private conference, to explain to me more fully what he meant by "the business being done before he visited us again." He told me that he meaned that the Confederacy would be general before that time, and that at first they intended to keep their plan a secret even from their Father, untill everything that had been fully agreed upon among themselves, when they were to inform their Father. But as Governor Harrison has pushed them to make some kind of avowal of their Intention, they thought proper now to disclose their whole plan to their Father.
Frederick Fisher died on the 12th Instant owing to the effects of a violent cold.
I have the honor to be &c.
M. Elliott, S. I. A.
The Honble Wm. Claus, Dy. Supt. Genl. & Dy. Insp. Genl. Indian Affrs, &c. &c., Fort George.
Endorsed: Copy. E.
Captain Elliott's Letter to Colonel Clans. Amherstbnrg, 16th & 18th Nov. 1810. In Sir J. H. Craig's 29 March, 1811.
[ Q 114, p 74 ]
LIEUT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE TO SIR JAMES CRAIG.
279
LIEUT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE TO GEN. SIR JAMES CRAIG.
York, Upper Canada, 29th December 1810.
Sir,
I have the honor to transmit herewith the Copy of a Letter* from Captain Elliott, Superintendent of Indian Affairs at Amherst- burg, dated the 9th July last, and addressed to the Deputy Super- intendent General. Also the copy of a letterf from Captain Elliott to Colonel Claus of the 16th of October accompanied by a Speech, J made on the 7th of the same month, by Red Jacket a chief resid- ing at Buffaloe Creek on the American side of the Niagara River opposite to Fort Erie.
Captain Elliott's letter of the 16th and 18th of November accom- panied by a Speech § of the Prophet's Brother (a Shawnese) has just been laid before me, and I lose no time in forwarding copies to Your Excellency.
As I do not conceive that His Majesty's Interests will suffer by any waiting for your Instructions, I shall not give any directions to Captain Elliott to alter his conduct, or depart from the existing orders which guide him in his Intercourse with the Indian Nations. 0 I have the honor to be
Sir Your Excellency's
most obedient
and most humble Servant Francis Gore,
Lt. Governor.
His Excellency General Sir James Craig, K. B.
Endorsed:
In Sir J. H. Craig's 29 March 1811.
[ Q 114, p 65 ]
*For Letter see page 269. t For Letter see page 272. t For Speech see page 270.
§ For Speech and Letters see pages 275, 277, 278.
280
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT FOR THE INDIAN DEPARTMENT OF UPPER CANADA FOR THE YEAR 1811, TO COMMENCE ON THE 25TH DECEMBER, 1810.
|
Names |
Appointments. |
District for each |
From what fund paid |
Pay per |
Amot of pay in Sterling Dollars at 4s 8 d each |
|||
|
annum |
day |
|||||||
|
Thomas McEee John Askin __. |
Superintendant |
- St Joseph. 1 J |
Military Chest. |
10 s 7 4 8d 4 8 |
182 £ 127 85 85 |
10 s 15 3 3 |
id 4 |
|
|
Store keeper & Clerk. Interpreter |
||||||||
|
John Askin |
||||||||
|
John Johnson |
Smith |
|||||||
John Johnson,
S. G. & I. G. I. A. Indian Department, Fort George, 10th July 1810.
W. Glaus, D. 8. G.
Approved. Francis Gore, Lt. Governor. Exd. A. G. Johnson, S. I. D.
[Q 3U, p 24a] %
SIR J. H. CRAIG TO LIEUT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE.
Quebec, 2d Feby. 1811.
Sir,
Your letter of the 29th December did not reach me till the 30th ulto.
Upon giving to the subject of it, the consideration which it merits, I am decidedly of opinion, that upon every principle of policy, our interest should lead us to use all our endeavours, to prevent a rupture, between the Indians, and the subjects of the United States.
A war, especially a war of such a nature, carried on so near our Frontiers, must be attended, with infinite inconvenience to us: it would subject us to a degree of vigilance, and a state of precau- tion, to which our means are at this moment little adequate, and notwithstanding every care, that might be employed to avoid it, it would expose us to a continual state of suspicion and irritation on
SIR J. H. CRAIG TO LIEUT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE. 281
the part of the Americans, which sooner or later, would probably lead us into the being ourselves parties in the war, however much we might wish to avoid it. Such a war too must probably end to the disadvantage of the Indians; it would commence indeed by the devastation of the American Frontier the ruin of Families and the massacre of innocent individuals. ' Evils which one would regret in every case, but which we might hope to restrain, if circumstances of self defence, and the necessity of averting them from ourselves, which would be the consequence of our not employing them, should at any time induce us to call on our Indian Allies to act in con- junction with us; but without that co-operation, however favourably for them a war might commence, there is little doubt that it would terminate in their destruction, or at least in their being so far reduced, as to render them useless, should we unfortunately be at last compelled to call on them.
Upon these considerations, I think it would be expedient to instruct the officers of the Indian Department to use all their influ- ence to dissuade the Indians from their projected plan of hostility, giving them clearly to understand, that they must not expect any assistance from us. The officers however should be extremely cautious in pointing out to them, that it is for their own good only, that this advice is given to them, and not from any dirilection of that regard, with which we always view their interests. It will perhaps require some management to avoid exciting their jealousy or resent- ment, the doing so, must be strongly recommended.
I could have wished Mr. Elliott's letters had been a little more explicit. At present, I neither know to what nation, the chief who he calls red jacket belongs, nor the purport of the business on which he attended the Council, and in which he appears to have failed of success.
I have the honor to be
Sir Your most obedt
humble Servt
J. H. Craig.
Lieut. Governor Gore.
Endorsed:
In Sir J. H. Craig's 29th March 1811.
[ Q 114, p 80 ]
36
282
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
LT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE TO WM. GLAUS, DEP. SUPT. GEN.
York, 26th February 1811.
Sir,
In further notice of Mr. Elliott's Letters to you of tbe 9th July 16th October 16th and 18th November 1810, it is desirable that you should instruct him to be more than usually circumspect in his communications with the Indians, so as to leave no possible suspicion of favouring their projected hostilities against the United States of America; you will therefore direct him, as occasion may offer, to impress upon the Indians the certainty of eventual mis- fortune to themselves from any attack on the whites, to point out to them, that the Americans are become so strong that any effort on their part to prevail by arms, must be vain and that it is from such an assurance, and out of regard to their safety, comfort and happiness that their great father expressly forbids that any encour- agement should be afforded to them in any warlike enterprize.
You will direct the Superintendents to signify to the Indians, that their Father's regard for them remains unimpaired, as they will always find, and that the strongest proofs of his regards, is the advice not to expose themselves to a war which must end in their destruction. The efforts of the Superintendents to prevent a war, must be conducted with great management, so as not to excite jealousy or resentment; and if it should be found necessary to diminish or withhold altogether the supply of arms and ammunition to such Tribes as decide upon war, it may be prudent to make a compensation by a proportionable supply of other articles. In short it will be expected from the Department under your Superin- tendence that His Majesty's Government as far as may be, should preserve its faith with the United States of America, and its rela- tions with the Indian Nations unimpaired, by the most liberal con- struction of neutrality towards the former, and benevolence to the latter.
I have the Honor to be
Sir Your most obt.
Humble Servt.
Francis Gore,
Lieut. Governor.
William Glaus, Esquire, Dep. Sup. Genl. of Indian Affairs, Fort George. [ Q 314, p 37 ]
SPEECH OF LIEUT. COL. McDONALL.
283
speech delivered by lieut. colonel mo donall to the indian chiefs and wakrioes at michilimackinac, june 5th 1811.
My Children,
I embrace the opportunity when we are here met to celebrate the Birthday of the King, Your Great Father, to reply to the words which you lately addressed to me; on this happy occasion, I am proud to see such an assemblage of distinguished chiefs and war- riors around me, many of whom have already signalized their valor in his service during the war. I thank you all for your past services but particularly for the proof of Loyalty and attachment you have shewn, in hastening to the defence of this Island, when threatened by the Enemy, — You have now proved that you merit the Benevo- lence and Kindness, with which your Great Father has always treated you ; be assured that the interest of his Red Children will never be forgotten by him, that he will keep his word and the Promises which he has made you.
My Children,
Listen to my words, that I make you acquainted, with the aus- picious Events, which have lately taken place. Your Great Father Sir George Prevost had received powerful Reinforcements, and was at the head of a large army of your white Brethren who have again defeated the Americans in another attempt to invade Lower Canada.
Kingston and Fort George are now places of great strength & contain formidable garrisons. We are in possession of the whole Niagara Frontier, and also of its Harbour — which the Enemy found last year so advantageous.
Our Fleets on Lake Ontario are also more numerous and stronger than those of the Enemy, the important Fort of Oswego has lately been taken from them by our Ships, while theirs dare not stir from the shelter of their Harbours.
My Children,
Every thing looks well for us, the Black and lowering clouds that spread Darkness around us are dispersed, and we have once more over our heads a clear and serene Sky. The Great Spirit smiles on our just cause, but frowns on that of the deceitful Americans, because they have cruelly oppressed you ; they have robbed you of those lands which you inherited from your brave ancestors, but still they are not satisfied; the fertile Countries which
284
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
they have usurped, only encrease thfeir appetite for fresh Encroach - ments, and you will gradually be driven beyond the setting sun.
My Children,
You possess the warlike spirit of your Fathers — You can only avoid this horrible fate by joining hand in hand with my warriors in first driving the Big Knives from this Island and again open- ing the Great Road to Your Country. I shall then be enabled liberally to supply your wants — ^You will once more see the Traders in Your Villages, with Ammunition for yourselves, and cloathing for your women and children; the Days of your Prosperity will return, and the Song and the Dance be again heard in Your Land.
My Children,
The time is favorable for this, and will soon arrive. The King, Your Great Father, has destroyed his Foes on the other side of the big Lake. He is now the most powerful monarch in the world, and has no other Enemy but the Americans.
You know we were often victorious over them, \(hen but few in numbers how then will they stand against the Invincible warriors and the mighty Fleets which are now coming against them? Already they tremble at the thought of this and know not which way to turn to escape the tremenduous vengeance which they know they have deserved.
They are conscious that resistance is vain and that their power compared to that of King George is like dust before the wind. They therefore wish to lay down the Tomahawk and treat for Peace. '
My Children,
I have heard of the message which the Americans have lately sent to your Red Brethren, it is sufficiently humiliating, for it acknowledges their Incapacity to carry on the war with the King Your Great Father. It likewise shews their usual disregard to Truth, for they say that when a Peace is made, he will withdraw his protection from you, and that then they will punish all those who do not now renounce our Friendship.
My Children,
When these perfidious people fail in war, they try to succeed by artifice and cunning, qualities in which they excel all other Nations, you must therefore beware how you are deceived by this stratagem, which is meant to sow Dissention among the Tribes, in
SPEECH OF LIEUT. COL. McDONALL.
285
order that one after the other they may the more easily become the victims of their Treachery.
My Childeen,
I again ask which of you can be so blind and infatuated, as not to see that the Big Knives will never be satisfied, untill they possess all your Lands & destroy your Root and Branch from the face of the Earth ? They have no pity for you, and openly avow this wicked intention, which of you do not know, that it is the powerful protection of the King your Great Father, which has hitherto saved you from this miserable fate, and which can only save you from it in future.
My Childeen,
Listen well to my words, none of you must be misled by this deceitful message, for it will be dangerous for you to go astray into the wrong road and diflScult for you to return. What is there in it, but a convincing proof that the Power of the Enemy is on the decline, and instead of intimidating your young men, should inspire them with fresh courage to get back their old boundaries, & restore the days of plenty and Happiness among you. Listen again my children — the time is at hand when these great blessings can be recovered.
My Childeen,
Should the King & your Great Father deign to listen to the proposal which the Enemy have made for peace, it will be on the express condition that your Interests shall be first considered, your just claims admitted and no Infringement of your Rights permitted in future. My children, doubt not but that this will be the case. The King your Great Father has assured you, that he will never abandon his Red Children, whom he has so long fostered and adopted.
The Great Chief at Quebec, Sir George Prevost has also given his word to the same effect, this ought to set your minds at rest upon the subject, for they are not the Promises of the faithless Americans, but of those who hate Duplicity and Falsehood.
My Childeen,
I opened' my Ears and listened attentively to the words which you addressed to me. I was moved with compassion when you told me of your wants and distresses last winter — and that some of
286
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
the supplies inteoded for you, did not reach you, owing to the distance. Now that you are here I will endeavour to make up, as well as I can, for the disappointment and to give you proofs of my esteem, and of the confidence which I place in your valor and Courage.
My Children,
I am highly pleased that you have listened to the wise Councils of your friend and Chief the Ked Head, whose constant study is for your advantage and to do you good.
Your Great Father at Quebec has confidence in him, and in appointing him your chief has given you a strong proof of his Paternal Regard. My children I wish you to shew your gratitude, by obeying him in all things that he wishes you to do. I recom- mend to you that the utmost friendship and Harmony prevail among the different Tribes, and that the young men do not disgrace them- selves by any Disturbance or Impropriety of conduct.
It is proper that they should listen to the voice of their Chiefs, and of their Fathers & derive Instruction from their Experience & Council.
My Children,
I am delighted with what your Great Chief the Red Head has told me, that in your wars with the Big Knives you have been equally distinguished by your Bravery in the Field and by your mercy to the vanquished, that in no one instance has their helpless women and children sustained an Injury. Let me exhort you to a continuance of this Praiseworthy conduct, which is the more meritorious on your part, considering the provocation, which the Enemy has given you.
My Children,
Happy are those warriors who rush into the Fight having Justice upon their side. You go forth to combat for the tombs of your Forefathers and for those lands which ought now to afford shelter and sustenance to your wives and to your Children.
May the Great Spirit give you strength and courage in so good a cause and crown you with victory in the day of Battle! —
[ Q 128-1, p 20 ]
4
PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT FOR INDIAN DEPARTMENT. 287
EEQUISITIONS.
Requisitions for Provisions and Rum for the Indians in Upper Canada for the year 1812.
|
Posts |
Rations |
Gallons of Earn |
|
St Joseph |
Five Thousand |
One hundred. |
Indian Department, Fort George, 31st July 1811.
W. Glaus, D. S. G. John Johnson,
Approved. York, 12 Augt. 1811. I. G. & L G. I. A.
Francis Gore, Lt. Govr. Exd. A. Gordon Johnson, Secy. Indn Affairs.
Endorsed: Indian Department, Upper Canada.
Requisition for Rum & Provisions for the year 1812.
[ Q 114, p 217 ]
Proposed Establishment for the Indian Department in Upper Canada for the year 1812 to commence on the 25 December 1811.
|
Names |
Appointments |
District for each |
From what Fund Paid |
Per |
Amount of pay in Ster- ling Dollars @ is 8d. ea. |
|||
|
Annum |
Day |
|||||||
|
Thomas McKe?, Esquire |
Superintendant |
1 1-St Joseph- 1 J |
Military Secre- |
10 s 11 8 d 4 8 |
£182 212 85 |
10 s 18 3 |
4 d 4 |
|
|
John Askin Junior, John Johnston |
Store Keeper clerk & Interp |
|||||||
|
Smith |
||||||||
Indian Department, Fort George, Slst July 1811.
W. Claus.
Approved. York, 12 Augt. 1811.
Francis Gore, Lt. Governor.
Exd. Adam Gordon Johnson, Secy. Indn. Affrs. [ Q 114, p 216 ]
288
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
QUERY AND ANSWEE.
The answers of Isaac Brock, Esquire, President administering the Government of Upper Canada to certain Queries transmitted to Lieut Governor Gore, by the Right Honorable the Earl of Liver- pool in his Dispatch (No 6) of 25th November 181L
Query. 10th. What were the services of the late Colonel Camp- bell?
Answer. It appears from the minutes of the Legislative Council of this Province that on the 10th August 1795, the thanks of that Body were voted to Lieut Colonel Campbell, of His Majesty's 24th Regiment of Foot " for his temperate and dignified forbearance and " otherwise meritorious conduct during his command at Fort Miamis "in the year 1794."
By the Minutes of the Executive Council 4th August 1795, that 800 acres of Land were granted in addition to a former grant to Lt. Colonel Campbell as a mark of the sense which that Council entertained of the importance of the service rendered to this Prov- ince by his late judicious conduct when in command at the Miamis.
Isaac Beock,
[ Q 815, p 183 ] M. G. & President.
MAJ. GEN. ISAAC BEOCK TO SIE GEOEGE PEEVOST.
Extract of a Letter from Majr. Genl. Brock to His Excellency Sir Geo. Prevost Bt.
SiE, YoEK, TJpPEE Canada, Deer. 3d 1811.
*' I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of You^ Excelly's dispatch dated the 11th ulto with its enclosures, my first care upon my arrival in this Province was to direct the oflScers of the Indian Department at Amherstburg to exert their whole infiu- ence with the Indians to prevent the attack which I understood a few Tribes meditated agst. the American frontier — But their efforts proved fruitless, such was their infatuation the Indians refused to listen to advice, and they are now so deeply engaged that I despair of being able to withdraw them from the contest in time to avert
GENERAL ISAAC BROCK TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
289
their destruction, a high degree of fanataoism which has been for years working in their minds has led to the present state of things.'*
[Q 117-1, p 14]
MAJ. GEN. ISAAC BROCK TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
York, Upper Canada, 3d December 1811.
Sir,
The first point to which I am anxious to call Your Excellency's attention, is the District of Amherstburg, I consider it the most important and if supplied with the means of commencing active operations, must deter the Americans from any offensive attempt from Niagara Westward.
That Government will be compelled to secure their western posi- tion from the inroads of the Indians and this cannot be effected without a very considerable force.
But before we can expect an active co-operation on the part of the Indians, the reduction of Detroit and Michilimackinack must convince that people (who conceive themselves to have been sacrificed in 1794 to our policy) that we are earnestly engaged in the war.
The Indians I am made to understand, are eager for an oppor- tunity to avenge the numerous injuries of which they complain. A few tribes at the instigation of a Shawenese of no particular note, have already, (though explicitly told not to look for assist- ance from us) commenced the contest. The stand which they con- tinue to make upon the Wabash against about two thousand includ- ing Militia and Regulars, is a strong proof of the large force which a grand combination of the Indians will render necessary to protect so widely extended a frontier.
The Garrisons of Detroit and Michilimackinac, do not, I believe, exceed seventy Eank and File each but the former can be easily reinforced by the Militia in the neighborhood, which tho not numerous, would be ample for its defence, from the Ohio, an enterprizing hardy race and uncommonly expert on horse back with the Rifle. This species of force is formidable to the Indians, altho' according to reports which have reached me by different channels 37
290
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
but not official, they lately repelled an attack of some magnitude.
Unless a diversion, such as I have suggested, be made, an over- whelming force will probably be directed against this part of the province.
The measure will however be attended with a heavy expence especially in the article of provisions for not only the Indians who take the field but their families must be maintained.
The numeral force of the militia in the vicinity of Amherstburg exceeds by a trifle seven hundred Rank and File consequently very little assistance can be derived from that source in any offensive operation. Should therefore the aspect of affairs hereafter give stronger indications of a rupture, I propose augmenting the Gar- rison of Amherstburg with two hundred Eank and File from Fort George and York.
Such a measure I consider essentially necessary, were it only cal- culated to rouse the energy of Militia and Indians, who are now impressed with a firm belief, that in the event of war, they are to be left to their fate. Great pains have been taken to instil this idea into the Indians, and no stronger argument could be employed than the weak state of that Garrison.
The army now assembled upon the Wabash with the ostensible view of opposing the Shawenese, is a strong additional motive in my mind, in support of this measure, for I have no doubt but the instant their service in the field terminates, a large portion of the regulars will be detached to strengthen the Garrison of Detroit. I have prepared Colonel Procter for such an event, and after weigh- ing the inconvenience to which the service would be exposed if the District were placed under a Militia Colonel (an event obvious, unless superceded by a regular officer of equal Rank) I have directed Lieut Colonel St George to be in readiness to repair to Amherstburg and assume the command. I entertain a high opinion of this Officer, and make no doubt that his intelligence and con- ciliatory disposition will greatly promote the service, at any rate I am without a choice, and hope his situation as Inspector of Militia will not be considered as a bar to the arrangement. The state of the Roads will probably stop this projected movement until the* end of this month or beginning of next, nor do I intend that the Troops should leave their present quarters, unless urged by some fresh circumstances. I therefore look to receive Your Excellency's commands previous to their departure.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO THE EA.RL OP LIVERPOOL.
291
From Amherstburg to Fort Erie my chief dependanoe must rest on a naval force, for the protection of that extensive coast. But considering the state to which it is reduced extraordinary exertions and great expenoe will be required before it can be rendered eflB- cient. At present it only consists of a ship and a small schooner, the latter of a bad construction, old, and in want of many repairs. Yet she is the only King's vessel able to navigate Lake Huron, whilst the Americans have a sloop and a fine Brig capable of •carrying twelve guns, and in perfect readiness for any service.
If consequently the Garrison of St Joseph's is to be maintained find an attack on Michilimackinack undertaken, it will be expedient to hire, or purchase from the merchants as many vessels as may be necessary for the purpose.
The Americans can resort to the same means, and the construc- tion and number of their vessels for Trade, will give them great advantage, besides their small craft or boats, in which troops would be easily transported across the waters, exceed ours considerably, indeed we have very few of that description, I therefore leave it to Your Excellency's superior judgement to determine whether a suffi- cient number of Gun Boats for both Lakes, so constructed as to draw little water ought not be added to our means of defence and offence.
I have the honor to be
&c. &c. &o.
Isaac Brock, M. Genl. His Excellency Sir George Prevost, Bart, &c. &c. &c. [ Q 315, p 73 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO THE EARL OF LIVERPOOL.
[No. 2L]
Quebec, 13th Jany. 1812.
My Lord,
I have had the honor of receiving Your Lordship's Original & duplicate Dispatches of 28th July on the subject of the hostile intentions manifested by the Indians against the Americans, copy of which original I immediately forwarded to Maj. Genl. Brock, the officer administering the Government in Upper Canada.
292
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
I now inclose to Your Lordship an Extract of a Letter I have since received from M. Genl. Brock, by which you will perceive that previous to the Hostilities which have taken place on the American frontier he had fully anticipated Your Lordship's direc- tions on that head, by the judicious measures pursued by him in assuming the Government, I have deemed this extract of suflScient importance immediately to transmit it to Mr. Foster at Washington, to enable him to repel any attempts to offer by insinuation or otherwise to His Majesty's Government the charge or erecting or encouraging the Hostilities which have actually been commenced in the Wabash. In consequence of the threatening language held out by the American Government, & the apparently warlike measures which they are pursuing, I have thought fit to send my confiden- tial Aid-de-Camp, Capt Coore to Washington for the purpose of receiving any Information which Mr. Foster may wish to give me by this only safe mode of communication that subsists between us. I have the honor to be My Lord,
Your Lordship's
Most obedient
Humble Servant
To George Prevost.
The Eight Honble Earl of Liverpool.
[ Q 117-1, p 12 ]
LT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE TO ROBERT PEELE, ESQ.
No. 25 Upper Grosvenor Street, 10th March 1812.
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 7th inst I have the honor to» acquaint you for the information of the Earl of Liverpool, that a provisional agreement was entered into with the Indians of Matchi- dash, and Lake Simcoe in Upper Canada for the purchase of about Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand acres of Land, by my authority the fulfilment of the contract resting with His Majesty's Govern- ment at Home.
Thejjje Lands are situated between the East end of Lake Huron and Lake Simcoe and not far removed from the present inhabited part of the province of Upper Canada; they are generally of a good quality, well wooded and watered and fit for every purpose of agri-
LIEUT. GOV. FRANCfS GORE TO ROBERT PEELE.
293
<5ulture so far they are desirable for settlers and calculated to answer the purposes of Government. But my principle reason for directing a provincial agreement to be entered into with the Indians for the Land was its importance to the Fur Trade of Canada, and to which the attention of the Governor and Council of Upper Can- ada was called by the representations of the merchants, engaged in that Trade, they represented in the strongest terms the grievous exactions and seiz^ures, to which their property had been subjected on the Line of Transport, by Niagara Lake Erie and Detroit, to ihe Frontier at Michilimackinack, many instances of which were adduced and having taken place, subsequent to the western Fron- tier Posts being given up to the American Government in 1796. One instance which must be in the recollection of His Majesty's Ministers happened during my administration of the Government. Several boats richly laden with goods for the Indian Country hav- ing been seized in 1808, by the American Eevenue Officer, and I am doubtful whether restitution has yet been made by the Ameri- can Government. On these grounds the Merchants memorialed that a communication through the British Territory might be opened to the Indian Country, this was known to be practicable through the Tract of Land in question — ^a Route therefore was pointed out, fiuch as would afford security to the Trade in future rendering it independant of the exactions of a Foreign Government and consid- erably shortening the distance between Montreal and Lake Superior, ihis could not however be effected without the Crown becoming possessed of the Land through which the proposed Eoad must neccessarily be opened in order to establish the communication between the Lakes, a distance of about 28 miles.
The Bay in Lake Huron where the intended Road is to termi- nate is an excellent Harbour and has been considered as a much safer, and more convenient naval station for the King's vessels employed on Lakes Huron, and Brie, than the present depot at Amherstburg, therefore well worthy the attention of His Majesty's Government, particularly in the event of a war with America. An express from York (the seat of Government) might reach a Depot at Penetanguishene Bay in twenty four hours, and from thence in four or five days, to our last frontier post at St. Joseph's. The route at present used by the Lakes, Ontario, Erie, and Huron takes above a fortnight from York to St Joseph's.
Independent of the circumstance I have done myself the honor to state, so important to the interests of Canada. Government can
294
COLONIAL OFFICE^RECORDS.
sustain no loss by the proposed purchase, for the lands can readily be disposed of at a higher price, than what the Indians will receive from Government.
The provincial agreement for the payment of the Lands is about £ 400 in goods to be exported from this Country. By the present regulation in the Land granting Department in Upper Canada, there will accrue to the Crown, on the granting the Land in Lots, to actual settlers, about £ 6500.
I have the honor to be
Sir Your most obedient
humble Servant
Fbancis Gore.
To Eobert Peele, Eeqr. [ Q 316, p 38 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO MAJ. GEN. ISAAC BROCK.
Extract of a Letter from His Excellency Lt. General Sir George Prevost Baronet, Commander of the Forces, to Major General Brock, commanding in Upper Canada, dated Quebec 31st March 1812.
"I have carefully examined Colonel Macdonnell's report upon the *' American Fort at Detroit, written at your desire from the informa- ** tion he had obtained during a residence of a few days in its *' vicinity ;" —
"Whatever temptations may offer to induce you to depart from a *' system strictly defensive, I must positively request that, under *' the existing circumstances of our relations with the Government *' of the United States, you will not allow them to lead you into " any measure bearing the character of offence, even should a "declaration of war be laid on the Table of the Congress, by the " President's influence, because I am informed by our Minister at " Washington, there prevails throughout the United States, a great " unwillingness to enter upon Hostilities, and also because the "apparent neglect at Detroit, might be but a bait to tempt us to '* an act of Aggression, in its effect, uniting parties, strengthening "the power of the Government of that Country, and affording that " assistance to the raising of men for the augmentation of the *' American Army, without which their ability to raise one addi-
GOVERNMENT OF INDIAN DEPARTMENT— INSTRUCTIONS. 295
" tional Regiment is now questioned. You are nevertheless to pre- " serve in your preparations for defence, and in such arrangements "as may upon a change in the state of affairs, enable you to "carry any dispensable part of your force offensively against the ' * common enemy. ' '
[ Q 117-2, p 183 ]
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE GOOD GOVERNMENT OF THE INDIAN DEPARTMENT.
To Sir John Johnson Baronet, Superintendant General and Inspector General of the Indian Affairs &ca.
You will continue to employ your utmost endeavors to promote His Majesty's Indian Interest in general, by keeping up a friendly intercourse and communication between all the Indian Nations, assuring them of the King's paternal Care & Kegard as long as They continue to merit them, by acting as good and obedient chil- dren ought to do; you will preserve oeconomy, regularity, and order into the Indian Department, and for the attainment of these ends, you will govern yourself by the following Instructions.
1st. As these people consider themselves free & independant, and are in fact unacquainted with control and subordination, they are alone to be governed by address and persuasion, and they require the utmost attention to ceremonies and external appearances, with an uncommon share of patience, good temper & forbearance in all which, you will instruct the inferior officers of your Department, and see that there is a due observance of the same on all occasions.
2nd. Upon the arrival of parties of distant Indians at any of the Posts, the agent shall report the same to the Commanding officer, who, with the officers of the Garrison, are to assist in receiving them, which is to be done with every mark of solemnity and friendship; and as after the usual ceremonies, they will make known their wants, — their Requests, if reasonable, are to be complied with. Should they, as is customary on these occasions, lay down Presents of any kind, they are to be taken up with thanks, and in return, Presents, exceeding the value of theirs are to be given them, in which case the Chiefs are always to be distinguished.
296
COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS.
3rd. When public coDferenoes are held at any of the Posts between the Agents residing there, and the Indians, the command- ing oflScer shall preside, attended by all the officers of the Garri- son, to whom due notice is to be given, on all such occasions, but he is not, under pretence of this regulation, to interfere with the agent in the management of the Indian Department.
4th. As Indians are in general curious, and wish to carry news to their villages, the officers should be very cautious not to relate any to them, but what they know to be facts, and these should be very distinctly told, for the mistaking or not properly under- standing a piece of news, has been known to alarm <J; estrange whole Nations from a Post, for which and other reasons, the Agents at the Posts, should endeavor to make one or two sober and intel- ligent Chiefs of the Indian Nation living at or near their Posts, their friends & confidents, and on any occasion of calling togther a Council, to have them present, and make one of them their Speaker, having him prepared before the meeting, and when met, they should be further directed to have the Interpreter to prompt him in what the officer intends to say, which is a custom among themselves, their Speakers having commonly prompters, & Speeches so delivered, will always have more influence than coming from an Interpreter, being delivered in their own way.
5th. Minutes are to be regularly kept of the Councils, which with the Journals of all transactions, are to be recorded in your office.
6th. The Agents are at all times to inculcate into the minds of the Indians, principles of humanity and tenderness to Prisoners, particularly upon the departure of all Parties from Posts during a war, or while there is a probability of retaliating or resenting Injuries sustained.
7th. In all matters of trade where the Indians are concerned, the utmost justice is to be done them, and if at any time the interference of the officer commanding may be necessary, the Agents or officers of the Indian Department residing at the respective Posts, will make application to him, and on all occasions, they are to consult & keep up a good understanding with them, and make such communications to him, as the good of the service, the safety of the Post, and the security ofj the Trade, may require.
8th. No person belonging to, or employed in the Indian Depart- ment, is to be permitted to trade, directly or indirectly, or to have any share, profit, or concern therein.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIAN DEPARTMENT— INSTRUCTIONS. 297
9th. You are to give the Agents or Deputies, such orders and directions as may be necessary for the proper discharge of their Duty, and the fulfilling the object of these Instructions.
10th. You are to visit every Post under your superintendancy, when the exigency of the service may require your presence, to enquire into, examine, and report the whole state of Indian affairs, to inspect their Books and Stores, and the method of carrying on their Business.
11th. All Presents and Provisions given at Public Conferences or Councils, are to be approved by the Commanding officer & delivered in the presence of all the officers of the Garrison, who are to certify the same, expressing the quantity and quality, which certificate shall be the voucher for so much expended.
Presents should always be given with great Caution and Discre- tion, and the Giver should be well informed and convinced, that the Persons he bestows the King's Bounty upon, are deserving of it, either by real services, or the influence they may have with a Nation or Party; or, lastly, if they are real objects of distress from age or infirmities: From a want of a strict attention to discrimination, the expence of the Indian Department has been much swelled, and has rendered languid, that order & emulation which a judicious distribution of Rewards, never fails to produce, and the Indians are thereby become less needy & more indolent : In a general view, if Presents are lavishly & indiscriminately, given, their value will be lessened, and the Indians instead of considering them as Bounty, will expect them as a Right, and receive them without gratitude or remembrance: The great object is to please, and to secure the attachment of the Chiefs & Heads of Tribes, by whose influence the conduct of their people is entirely governed.
12th. No Presents or Provisions shall be given privately, nor any incidental charges paid, but with the previous approbation of the Superintendent General, or, in his absence, of the officer command- ing at the Post, who is to certify the same in writing on the account.
13th. All presents received are to be brought into account, & appropriated to the use of Government, Certificates thereof specify- ing the Quantity & Quality, are to be signed by the Officer Com- manding and other officers of the Garrison if presented in Council, but if privately received, by the Commanding officer only: — Peltries so given, are to be sent by the first opportunity to His Majesty's 38
298
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Indian Store Houses at Montreal, to be disposed of as may be ordered by the General, or officer Commanding in Canada, but when these Presents are made in Provisions, they are again to be issued to the Troops or Indians, as the Commanding OflSoer at the Post shall direct.
14th. All Requisitions made by the Agents or OflScers of the Indian Department at the Out Posts for Presents necessary for the ensuing year, to be approved and Countersigned by the Officer commanding at the Respective Posts, and in case the officer should think proper, to refuse his assent, he will assign his reason there- for in writing.
15th. A statement of Indian Presents necessary for Upper & Lower Canada should be made up annually by the Superintendent General & Inspector General & transmitted to the Governor General & Commander of the Forces before the 10th September in each year, in order that measures may be taken for forwarding the same to England before the closing of the navigation, and with a view to the several articles being sent out in the course of the ensuing year.
16th. Upon the receipt of all Stores from England, for the use of the Indian Department, the same are to be delivered into the custody of the Storekeeper General of the Indian Department, who is to be accountable for them, as well as all stores committed to his charge.
17th. A statement of Indian Presents necessary for Upper Can- ada, shall be transmitted to the Governor General & Commander of the Forces before the 1st March annually, so that measures may be taken to forward the same upon the first opening of the navigation. When such Statement is approved of, the Superintendant General will give orders to the Storekeeper Genl. of the Indian Department for issuing the same which order with the receipt of the person charged by the Superintendent General with the conducting thereof to the respective Posts, will be his Voucher for the Delivery, and the Conductor, to whom proper Invoices are to be given, will be accountable for the several articles, 'till delivered to the agent or person to whom they are consigned, at the Post for which they are intended, who, on their arrival will apply to the Commanding Officer for a survey thereon, after which, the Agent will grant Receipts for the same, and stand chargeable therewith, which Receipts are to be delivered by the conductor on his return, to
GOVERNMENT OF INDIAN DEPARTMENT^INSTRUCTIONS. 299'
the Indian Storekeeper General whom you will direct to enter them as sub-accounts, and to see that they account for the same.
18th. The means of Transporting Presents, Stores &o belonging to the Indian Department from the General Stores at La Chine to Upper Canada, will be provided by the Commissariat Depart- ment, upon Requisitions submitted by the Superintendant Genl & approved by the Commander of the Forces.
19th. In the event of the supplies of Presents & Stores received from England for the Indian Department, not being sufficient to answer the Demands for the two Provinces; a Return of the Quan- tity required, with an Estimate of the Prices to be laid before the Commander of the Forces, for his approbation and orders to the Commissariat, to make the necessary Purchases, no stores however will be purchased here, except in cases of great necessity.
20th. No stores belonging to the Indian Department, shall be lent or exchanged on any account whatever.
21st. When the Storekeepers of the Indian Department shall find any of the Stores in their charge, damaged in such manner as to require the calling a Survey, They will apply by Memorial or Letter approved by the Superintendant General, or Deputy Superin- tendant, to the Commander of the Forces, or to the General or Officer commanding in the District, to appoint proper persons to survey the same, to whom they will state the cause of Damage. The Board of Survey when ordered to assemble, shall report the state and condition in which they find such stores;
Should the General direct any damaged Stores to be disposed of, certificates signed by the Persons named to see the order executed, must be annexed to said Orders, which Orders and Certificates shall be the voucher for so much expended.
22nd. All Pay Lists, Accounts for Store Rent, and other Inci- dental Expences for Lower Canada, are to be made up at the regular periods, every two months when they become due, certified & countersigned by the Superintendent General, and transmitted ta the Military Secretary, in order to undergo the necessary examina- tion, and receive the warrant of the commander of the Forces upon the Commissariat for Payment, from the Extraordinaries of the army.
23rd. All Pay Lists, Accounts &c of the Indian Department in Upper Canada are to be made up regularly every two months a& they become due, certified and countersigned by the Deputy Super- intendant General & upon the approval of the General or Officer
wo
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
•commanding in that Province, they are immediately to be paid by the Commissariat Department. They are then to be transmitted to the Commissary Genl or Officer at the head of that Department at Head Quarters, at Quebec, who will receive the Authority of the Commander of the Forces to take credit for the payments made as above.
This arrangement becomes necessary to prevent the Inconvenience and Embarrassment which the officers of the Indian Department would be subject to, by the Pay Lists for their respective Salaries being previously sent to Quebec to receive His Excellency's War- rant for Payment.
24th. No Presents or Stores to be issued by the Storekeeper General of the Indian Department, but by the directions of the Superintendant General, or, in his absence, of the officer next in oommand in the Department.
25th. Every magazine shall be numbered and a regular account kept with each, to the end that the contents of every store may be at all times ascertained. The Stores shall be so arranged and disposed of, so as to be come at readily & without confusion and kept well aired to prevent damage : Stores new received are to be deposited in a part of the Store Houses by themselves, to be inspected by Persons appointed by the General, or officer commanding in the Province.
The Inspectors will report the Quantity, Quality & Value thereof:
The Superintendant General, or Person authorized by him, is to visit the Storehouses once a month, or oftener, if he finds it neces- sary and to report all extraordinaries.
26th. Regular books of Entry & Delivery are to be kept at the several Posts, in which all Eeceivals are to be charged and all Issues credited, marking from whom received, to whom issued, by what authority, and their respective Dates, which are from time to time to be transmitted to the Superintendant Genl, who will direct the Indian Storekeeper General to include them in his general account, to be made up as soon as possible after the regular Periods every two months, and transmitted to the Military Secretary with a view to their being examined in the proper Department of accounts.
27th. In case of Loss by Fire, the Enemy, or other Accident, proper affidavits thereof are to be immediately obtained, expressing every particular, which may be necessary to ascertain such Loss, and the same reported to the Inspector General, and by him to
GOVERNMENT OF INDIAN DEPARTMENT— INSTRUCTIONS. BOl
the Commander of the Forces, or General Officer Commanding in the Province.
28th. An Establishment stating the names, Appointments, Pay & allowances of all officers & Persons proposed to be employed in the Indian Department in Upper & Lower Canada, should be made up distinct for each Province & submitted by the Superintendant General on or before the 1st September in each year, for the con- sideration & approbation of the Governor General and Commander of the Forces.
29th. Provisions and all other Allowances to the Officers and Persons employed in the Indian Department, will be furnished at the usual Periods, in the same manner, and under the same Cer- tificates and Returns, as regulate similar Issues to the other Mili- tary Departments, & in the proportions stated in the Annexed Schedule.
30th. Provisions for the use of the Indians, will be lodged by the Commissariat at the different Depots in the Canadas, to meet the Demands upon the Stores, which may be made by the officers of the Indian Department, under the certificate and sanction of the Commanding Officer at each Post, excepting when the Superintend- ent General may be present, whose orders on the stores for Provi- sions are to be considered as sufficient authority at all Posts.
31st. It having been sometimes found advisable for the King's Interest that the General Delivery of Presents should be made at a distance from the Garrison & Posts: The following Regulations on this Head are to be adhered to.
If in the absence of the Commander of the Forces and of the Superintendent General of Indian Affairs, it be thought advisable by the officer commanding any Post or Garrison, and by the Agent, or Superior Officer of the Indian Department that the Distribution of Presents to the Indians be made at a distance from their Post or Garrison, a List of the Presents, so to be distributed, mention- ing the place where such Distribution is to be made, must be signed by the said Commanding officer, and Superior Officer of the Indian Department, and delivered with the presents to an officer of the Department, who shall have charge of said Presents, and conduct them to the place for Distribution, one, two or three officers from the Garrison (according to the strength thereof) will accompany said Presents, who are to certify the delivery of the same, which certificate shall be the voucher for the expenditure.
502
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Besides the proportion received by the Chiefs, in public and in common with others, it has been customary to distinguish them by a private Donation, the same custom is to be continued, & a sepa- rate & exclusive present is therefore always to be made them, the same being previously approved by the Commanding Officer of the Post.
32nd. When Indian Territory shall be wanted for the public Service in either of the Provinces, the Governor or person admin- istering the Government of the respective Province^ will make his Eequisition to the Governor General and Commander of the Forces, and also to the Superintendant General of Indian Affairs, or in his absence, to the Deputy Superintendant General, accompanied with a sketch of the Tract required, who will endeavour to find out the probable price, to be paid therefor in goods, the manufacture of Great Britain, and report the same to the Commander of the Forces, that measures may be taken to get them out from England by ^the first opportunity.
Presents sent to the Upper Posts for the ordinary purposes of the Indians inhabiting the neighborhood of, or visiting the said Posts, are not to be appropriated to the purchase of Indian Lands, without the express order of the Commander in Chief.
33rd. All purchases of Lands are to be made in public Council with great solemnity & ceremony, according to the ancient usages ^nd customs of the Indians, the principal Chiefs and leading men of the Nation, or nations to whom the Lands belong, being first assem- bled. The Governor or Person administering the Government of the Province in which the Lands lie, or two persons duly commissioned by him, are to be present on behalf of said Province. The Super- intendant Genl. or in his absence, the Depy Superintendant Gen- eral negociating the purchase of the Lands, shall be accompanied by two other persons belonging to the Indian Department, together with one, two, three or more Military officers (according to its strength) from the Garrison or Post nearest to the place where the conference shall be held.
Such Interpreters as best understand the language of the Nation or Natiuns treated with, are to be employed during the Time of Treaty; Every means are to be taken to prevent the pernicious practice of introducing strong Liquors among the Indians & every endeavour exerted to keep them perfectly sober.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIAN DEPARTMENT— INSTRUCTIONS.. 303
34th. After explaining to the Indians the nature & extent of the Bargain, the Situation and Bounds of the Lands, and the price to be paid, regular Deeds of Conveyance (Original, Duplicate and Triplicate) are to be executed in public Council, by the Principle Indian Chiefs, on the one part and the Superintendant General of the Indian Department, or in his absence, the Deputy Superintend- ant, or person appointed by the Commander in Chief on His Maj- esty's Behalf, on the other part, and attested by the Governor or person administering the Government, in, which the ceded Lands lie, or the persons commissioned by Him, and by the officers and others attending the Council, descriptive plans signed and witnessed in the same manner, are to be attached to the Deeds of convey- ance, one of which is to be transmitted to the office of the Super- intendant General to be there entered and remain of Kecord, a second to be given to the Governor, or person administering the Government of the Province in which the Lands fall, or the per- sons appointed by him; and the third is to be delivered to the Indians, who by that means will always be able to ascertain what they have sold, and future uneasiness and discontents thereby avoided.
All other matters being settled, Indian goods to the amount agreed upon, are to be given in payment of the Territory ceded; the said goods to be delivered in public Council, with the greatest possible notoriety, and the Delivery certified and witnessed in the same manner as the Deeds of Conveyance.
When the Council is finished, the Proceedings are by the first convenient opportunity, to be transmitted to the office of the Super- intendent General for the Information of the commander of the Forces.
35th. With respect to the appointing and Dismissal of officers of the Indian Department; This Power and Control, in the Indian, as it does in all other Military Departments, should rest with the Governor General and Commander of the Forces: In the event of its being thought expedient to encrease the Establishment, or in case of a vacancy occurring as the Superintendant General & ^ Inspector General will of course become the best judge, of the Per- sons most proper to fill the offices of his Department, his Recom- mendations will be at all times naturally be attended to. Upon vacan- cies occurring in this Department in Upper Canada, and where it may be deemed expedient, that the situations should be immediately
304
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
filled to prevent an inconvenience to the public Service, The OflBcer administering the Government, and commanding the Forces in that Province, has authority to appoint such Persons as he may think proper to such vacancies, pro tempore, subject to the approval and confirmation of the Governor General, and Commander of the Forces.
36th. Should any doubts or diflSculties arise, not provided for by these Instructions, or attestations appear necessary You will apply to the Governor General and Commander of the Forces, that proper directions may be given, and to whom you will report on all occasions.
Headquarters, Quebec, 1st May 1812.
Submitted. George Prevost,
Commander of the Forces.
By His Excellency's Command.
Noah Freer, Military Secretary,
[ Q 117-2, p 258 ]
memorial of LONDON MERCHANTS ON BEHALF OF THE MICHILIMACKINAC
COMPANY.
No. 11.
To the Right Honorable the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury.
The Memorial of the undersigned merchants of London, on behalf of their Correspondents in Canada, lately carrying on Trade in the Indian Country connected with the Territories of the United States of America, under the name of the Michilimackinao Company.
Humbly Sheweth,
That in October 1808, a memorial was presented to the late Sir James Craig by Messrs. Forsyth Richardson & Company, Messrs. McTavish, McGillivrays & Company, Messrs. James and Andrew McGill & Company & Messrs. Parker, Gerrard & Ogilvie, and after- wards transmitted by him to His Majesty's Secretary of State for the war and the colonies representing the violent seizure of sundry Batteaux, loaded with merchandize belonging to the Michilimackinao Company, by soldiers belonging to and from the American Garri- son of Niagara, when the said Boats were peaceably navigating the Lake Ontario, under the faith of the late Treaty with the Govern- ment of the United States, as by reference to a copy of the said memorial, hereunto annexed the same will more fully appear.
MEMORIAL OF LONDON MERCHANTS,
305
The damages sustained by the principals of your memorialists were estimated at £ 26,842 5 s 6 d sterling, the particulars of which are subjoined to the said memorial.
After much difficulty the Boats and merchandize were, in the course of the following year 1809, in consequence, as it is presumed, of an instruction from His Majesty's Government to the British Minister, then at Washington, to insist upon their restituiton, restored to the Michilimackinac Company but without any compen- sation to them for the injury they had sustained by the interrup- tion of their Trade from the seizure of the said Boats and Mer- chandize, in consequence of which their trade was so deranged and the depression which the interruption produced on the minds of the partners who conducted the internal traffic with the Indians, coupled with the vexations which they at that time experienced in their transactions from the Revenue Officers of the American Government (such as the exaction of duties, not warranted by the existing treaty, by requiring passes, and adopting other unfair expedients to interrupt and harass the trade of the Michilimackinac Company, that the said partners in the interior insisted upon a dissolution of the concern in 1809, and which from necessity was agreed to in 1810, when the before mentioned four firms, who had furnished the capital of the company, became burthened with the whole loss, for no part of which have they now any prospect of reimbursement, unless they receive from the liberality of His Majesty's Government that relief and indemnity, which they have not, through the inter- ference of His Majesty's Minister in America or otherwise, been able to obtain from the Government of the United States.
That the injury these parties sustained from the interruption of their trade by the seizure of their Boats, has been increased from their being obliged, from the vexatious conduct of the American Government and its officers, to abandon all traffic with the Indians, dependant upon the post of Michilimackinac, and from the loss arising from the abandonment of their buildings and settlements where the trade was carried on, the whole of which is now lost to this Country.
Your memorialists most respectfully pray that Your Lordships will be pleased to take this case into Your serious consideration, and to direct compensation to be made to the parties interested for the before mentioned loss of £26,842 5s 6 d which they have sustained by a hostile aggression of the American Government while pursuing 39
306
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
their lawful trade as British Merchants, in conformity with the stipulations and in faith of an existing treaty, between the two Countries.
And Your Memorialists will ever pray, &c.
Inglis, Ellice & Co. McTavish, Fraser & Co.
London, 80th May 1812. [ Q 130-2, p 256 ]
AN ACT
Declaring war between the Kingdom of Great Britain & Ireland and the dependencies thereof, and the United States of America and their Territories.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled.
That war be and the same is hereby declared to exist between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and the depend- encies thereof, and the United States of America, and their terri- tories; and that the President of the United States be, and he is hereby authorized to use the whole land and Naval Force of the United States to carry the same into effect; and to issue private armed vessels of the U. States Commissions or letters of Marque and general reprisal, in such form as he shall think proper, and under the seal of the United States, against the Vessels, goods, and effects of the Government of the same United Kingdom of G. Britain and Ireland, and the subjects thereof.
James Madison.
Approved June 18th. 1812.
On the final passage of the Act in the Senate, the vote was nineteen to thirteen. In the House of Representatives, seventy nine to forty nine.
Yesterday morning the Frigates President, Com. Rodgers; U. States, Com. Decatur; Congress, Capt. Smith; Sloop of War, Hornet, Capt. Lawrence, and Brig Argus all sailed from this port on a cruize.
This American Squadron got to sea about half past 4 P. M.
We understand the Commodore received his instructions yesterday morning, by an Express from the Secretary of the Navy.
EXTRACTS FROM WAR LETTERS.
307
Want of room, as well as of time, prevents our insertion of a very lengthy message of President Madison's to Congress of the 1st inst, together with the last correspondence between Mr. Foster and Mr. Munroe, which will appear in our next.
[ Q 118, p 18 ]
HONORABLE W. EUSTIS TO BRIG. GENL. WM. HULL.
War Department, June 18th, 1812.
Sir,
Your letters May 26 and June 3d have been received, your arrangements for ensuing supplies for the troops are approved. Cir- cumstances have recently occurred which render it necessary you should pursue your march to Detroit with all possible expedition, the highest confidence is reposed in your discretion, zeal and perseverance.
With great respect Sir
&c. &c. &c.
W. EUSTIS.
B. Genl. W. Hull.
Endorsed:
War Department, June 18, 1812, from the Sec'y at War to B. Genl. W. Hull. No. 54, 30th July 1812.
[ Q 118, p 75 ]
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS RECEIVED FROM THE GOVERNMENT EXPRESS IN REGARD TO THE PENDING WAR.
r From our own Correspondent. ]
Philadelphia, Friday, June 19th, 1 o'clock. Extract of a letter just received in this City from Washington, dated June 17th, Evening.
I have just returned from Mrs. Madison's lev6e.
From the behaviour of the Democratic Congressmen, their coin- gratulations with the President upon the accomplishment of their iniquitous purposes, there can be no doubt but that the war bill this day passed the Senate by a Majority of Two. The Minister from our Ally, Mr. Serrurier, and the Minister from our Enemy, Mr. Foster, were both at the Lev^e. The latter says that the
308
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
burying has gone by, and that he supposes Mr. Monroe's absence (from the Lev6e) was occasioned on account of his preparing his (Foster's) dismissal.
The President was all life & spirits, and not a single federal representative was in the drawing room.
Another Letter, just received in this City says,
"The measures of administration are of such a nature, as io pro- voke Great Britain to strike the first Blow I !
Col. Wra. Russell, of the 7th Regiment, has received orders from the War Department to repair to the Indian Territory, to take com- mand of the Troops in that Territory, and five companies of Rang- ers on the frontier. The Col. is invested with the power to have the whole or a part of the Rangers mounted, as the service shall require, and to order the recruits of the old army raised in Ohio and Kentucky, to join him whenever deeme^d necessary.
[ Q 118, p 8 ]
[ From the New York Public Advertiser of June 20. ]
Off the Hook, and cruising and boarding vessels within our waters not two miles from the Light House, the British Frigate Belvidere, and the Sloop of War Tartarus. It appears they are not afraid, not- withstanding the U. S. President is in the harbour!
In the Offing. Yesterday the Frigates, the United States and Con- gress hove in sight. We hope they politely bid good morning to their new visitor — the English Belvidere, and complimented her companion en Tartarus.
[ Q 118, p 9 ]
War.
The die is oast; the New York papers of the 20th inst. received last evening contain the information we had on Wednesday, that the U. States of America have declared War against Great Britain.
The Declaration of the President has not appeared at New York^ previous to the departure of the conveyances alluded to, but was hourly expected; however, we know for a certainty that the Com- manding officer announced this Event to the American Troops at New York, in General Orders, in consequence of the injunctions he had received from their Secretary of State to that effect. The Crisis is therefore undoubtedly arrived; and the Conquest of the Canadas is the main object in view by this measure.
EXTRACTS FROM WAR LETTERS.
809
Canadians and Fellow Subjects ! — Arouse from your lethargy ! Call forth all those energies of character that were so pre-eminent in your Ancestors — let it not be said that the Canadians of the pres- ent day have degenerated. No! it cannot, it wdl not be said: but now is the time that such an assertion must be contradicted by the most convincing proofs. You have your wives, your children, your property, your holy religion, your happy government, and all that is dear in this world to preserve; and in comparison with which, like itself must be an inferior consideration. All these invaluable blessings which we now enjoy, are threatened to be torn from us by our rapacious and unprincipled enemies, and we may rest assured that they will bring war with all its horrors upon us, not to be surpassed by the most savage barbarianism, unless we stand forth with determined resolution to meet them as men, resolving to defend our Country to the last extremity. The illustrious and heroic nation with which we are happily connected by the strongest ties, will render us every assistance that her extensive power can furnish and her generous feelings can suggest; and seriously harassed as the ports and property of our enemy will be in such a conflict, our own internal defence must depend considerably on our own internal and unequivocal exertions. We must one and all rally with enthusiasm and self devotion round the standard of our country.
We must lay aside all the minor considerations of private inter- est— this is a time when none of these feelings should have the smallest weight on our minds. Our only views should be those connected with our present freedom, & the fixed and unalterable resolution of preserving it. Let us banish from our friendship and hold forth to the just resentment of our injured Governm't all such (if any there can possibly be) who would attempt in the smallest degree to shake our confidence, or enfeeble our efforts. The present crisis is too alarming to be trifled with — All is at stake — Our invaders are those whose respect for religion and all the honorable and moral duties it inculcates, are confined within a very narrow sphere. How can we think that such men would shew the small- est regard to ours ? On the contrary, our religion we may rest assured would be persecuted, our altars destroyed, and our Priests robbed and driven into wretchedness and want: happy indeed if their lives might be spared — All must give way to the sordid cupidity of our mercen^iry foe, our venerable laws and happy insti- tutions, handed down to us from our ancestors, and improved accord-
810
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
ing to circumstances would be abolished, and a system of anarchy and incomparable confusion, as bad, if not worse than that which they themselves enjoy, would be substituted for them. We should be ground down by internal Taxes and contributions — our fields laid waste, our lands reduced to no value from their being for the export of their produce, and we should really become the degraded slaves of the most cruel and unrelenting tyrants. Such, at least, without the smallest exaggeration, would be our miserable situation, if suoh a people and such an enemy were to make a conquest of our country. Let us therefore reflect seriously on this picture of distress, and determine that it shall not be realized, which is only to be done by changing that supineness, which at present pervades the Province, into the most active preparation for defence, and by letting no position be neglected that can possibly annoy the entrance of the Enemy. Our militia must be immediately organized, and properly disciplined throughout the whole extent of the Country (not representing an armed rabble) both oflBcers and men should instantly be placed on such a footing as to know their respective situations, and fill them properly. We have Arms & Ammunition enough, thank God, for every purpose. We have a population sufG- ciently extensive in numbers, and firm and unalterable in their attachment and Loyalty, if properly called into action, to repel every attack ; and although the period of preparation has been post- poned, let it not be any longer delayed. All secret enemies and treacherous friends should be driven from us. Our brave brothers, the British Troop?, now with us, will lead the way to triumph, under the command of our illustrious Chief, and if we are determined individ- ually and collectively, to do our duty, our Country is safe. We shall soon receive reinforcements from Great Britain to our assist- ance; and perseverance in the just cause we are engaged in will reward us with the highest gratification of faithful subjects to the best of Sovereigns.
Our Enemies will soon have to contend on their Coasts, with the formidable Fleets of Britain; and in many other points of view, will they have to feel the horrors of this unnatural war, which they have plunged themselves into; and as to the result of which, there can be no doubt, Individual & public r^iin will terminate the con- test, and the world will be convinced that America, as a Nation, has shewn a more inveterate degree of hatred to. Great Britain than her natural Enemy. However confident we may feel as to the result of
GEORGE HARRISON TO ROBERT PEELE.
311
this unnatural war as Britains, we cannot but press on the minds of our fellow subjects in these Provinces as Canadians, that from our local position, we have more to lose in this contest than any other part of the British Empire; and consequently every exertion should be constantly made on our part to preserve all that is dear to us as men, as Christians, and as British Subjects.
Just as we were 'going to press, we received the New York Mer- cantile Advertiser of last Monday, which contains the following important information.
War with Great Britain.
General Bloomfield on Saturday received an Express from Govern- ment, notifying to him that the United States were at war with Great Britain, which was immediately made known to the troops under his command; and yesterday's Southern Mail furnished us with the formal Declaration, the Manifesto of the President, and the report of the committee of foreign relations.
The Keport we are obliged to postpone till to-morrow.
[ Q 118, p 11 ]
geo. harrison to robert peele, esq.
Sir,
I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury to transmit to you a Memorial* from sundry merchants of London praying compensation for the Loss sustained by the Mioh- illimakinack Company in Lower Canada by the seizure of their Batteaux in 1808 by the Americans, and I am to desire you will move Earl Bathurst to favor my Lords with his opinion thereon. I am Sir
Your most obedient Servant
Geo. Harrison.
Treasury Chambers, 28d June 1812. E. Peele, Esq.
Endorsed:
Aned. 20th. Inclosure retd. ^
[ Q 119, p 298 ]
*For Memorial see page 304.
312
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
FORSYTH, RICHAKDSON & CO,, MC TAVISH, MC GILLIVRAYS & CO., TO HERMAN
W. RYLAND, ESQ.
Sir, Montreal, 24th June 1812, 8 A. M.
You will be pleased to inform His Excellency the Governor in ^Chief that we have just received by an Express which left New York on the 20th Instant, and Albany on Sunday last at 6 P. M. the account that war against Great Britain is declared.
No particulars whatever are mentioned but we cannot doubt of the fact which we consider it our duty to put His Excellency in ^possession of without delay and accordingly send this by Express. We have the honour to be
&oa. &ca. &ca. Forsyth, Richardson & Co. MoTavish, McGilliyrays & Co. Herman W. Ryland. Esqr., &ca,., ^ca., kca.
AN ACT.
For the more perfect organization of Army af the United States.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress ass6:^bled, That the Infantry of the Army of the United States shall consist of twenty- five Regiments, and that a Regiment shall consist of one Colonel, one Lieutenant Colonel, one Adjutant, one Pay Master, one Quarter Master, one Surgeon, two Surgeons Mates, one Serjeant Major, on© Quarter Master's Serjeant, two principal Musicians, and ten com- panies.
Sec. 2. and be it further enacted,
That each company shall consist of one Captain, one first Lieu- • tenant, one second Lieutenant, one Ensign, four Serjeants, six Cor- porals, two Musicians and ninety privates. Sec. 3. and be it further enacted,
That to the Regiment of Cavalry,, authorised by the Act passed .Jany eleventh, one thousand, eight hundred and twelve, entitled
"An Act to raise an additional Military Force" there shall be ; added one riding master, and to the Regiment of Light Dragoons
authorised by the Act passed April twelfth, one thousand, eight (hundred and eight, entitled " An Act to raise for a limited time,
an additional Military Force" one Surgeon's Mate.
UNITED STATES.
Sec. 4. and be it further enacted,
That each Troop of Cavalry or Light Dragoons shall consist of one Captain, one first Lieutenant, one second Lieutenant, one Cor- net, four Serjeants, six Corporals, two Musicians, one master of the Sword, one Saddler, one Farrier, one Blacksmith and sixty four Privates, and pay and emoluments of a master of the Sword, shall be the same as those of riding master, and the pay and emolument .of a Blacksmith shall be the same as those of a Farrier.
Sec. 5. and be it further enacted,
'That the Military Establishment authorised by law previous to ihe twelfth day of April one thousand, eight hundred and eight, and ihe additional Military Force raised by virtue of the Act of the twelfth of April one thousand eight hundred and eight, be, and the same are hereby incorporated & that from and after the pass- ing of this Act the promotions shall be made through the Lines pf Artillerists, light Artillery, Dragoons, Riflemen & Infantry respec- tively, according to established rule.
H. Clay,
* Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Wm. H. Crawford, June 26th 1812. President of the Senate pro tempore.
Approved. James Madison.
indorsed: Extract of a dispatch from Mr. Baker to Lord Castlereagh. Washington, July 11th, 1812. In Mr. Hamilton's 24th Aagt. 1812.
[ Q 120, p 58]
[ From the Montreal Herald of June 27th, 1812.]
UNITED STATES. [ From the New York Evening Post of June 20. ] The War.
It is now ascertained that an unconditional declaration of war against Great Britain has passed both Houses of Congress, and has become a Law.
We have very little disposition to remark on the unprecedented measure at this time; but we cannot help expressing our regret 40
314
COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS.
that such madness (for we call it nothing better) should have seized a majority of our Eepresentatives at Washington. For the Govern- ment of a Country, without armies, Navies, fortifications, money, or credit, and in direct contradiction to the voices of the people, to declare war against a power which is able in a few months to sweep from the Ocean millions of property belonging to the people of that country, is an Act of impudence, not to say wickedness, such as perhaps, was never before known since civil government was established. We deplore the fate of our unfortunate citizens who have property in foreign Countries, and on the Ocean. We had hoped they would have been allowed an opportunity to get home their ships, money and merchandize before hostilities com- menced, but the favor could not be granted! It now remains for the people!^ to suffer, or make use of the constitutional means of averting, in some measure, this dreadful calamity, by a change of men, that there might be a change of measures.
By [Express, — Brigadier General Bloomfield, Commander of the United States forces on this station, received a letter by a Govern- ment Express from the Seoretary at war, this morning, and imme- diately issued the following: —
[Copy.] General Orders.
Head Quarters, 20th. June, 1812.
"General Bloomfield announces to the Troops that War is declared by the United States against Great Britain.
"By Order
"K. H. Macpherson,
" Aid-de-Camp.'*
Government Express passed through this city, about 10 o'clock for Albany and Boston, with the above intelligence.
[ Q 118, p 6]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO THE EARL OF LIVERPOOL.
[No. 55.]
Quebec, 29th June 1812.
My Lord,
I have the honour to transmit to Your Lordship the Act of the Congress of the United States approved of by the President by which war has been declared against Great Britain and which has this instant reached me through the medium of the Public Prints;
ANTHOJSY S. BAKER TO LORD CASTLEREAGH.
315
— have not yet received any official communication of the war from Mr. Foster, though I hourly expect it, but the fact cannot be doubted ; —
By a Ship which arrived from Portsmouth yesterday, which left the 28th May, I understand that the Transports with the Troops for Quebec had sailed ten days before. I beg leave also to refer Your Lordship to the Resolutions of the Town Meeting of Boston contained in the New England Palladium of the 16th June here- with transmitted.
I have the honour to be My Lord
Your Lordships
Most obedient
humble Servant
Geoege Prevost.
The Right Honourable The Earl of Liverpool. [ Q 118, p 5 ]
ANTHONY S. BAKER TO LORD CASTLEREAGH.
Extract of a Dispatch from Mr. Baker to Lord Castlereagh.
Washington, July 11th, 1812.
The Act, of which a copy is inclosed* making provision for the most perfect organization of the Army of the United States was rendered necessary by the circumstance of the American Army being composed of three bodies of Troops, raised under the authority of as many laws, vizt, those of 1802, 1808 & 1812 each of which gave a peculiar composition to the force to which it referred, differ- ent from that provided for by the other laws. These inconsistencies were remedied by amalgamating the three forces, and establishing by the Law in question an uniform organization for the whole. The inclosed Table which is considered to be correctly drawn up, may not be altogether unworthy of attention, as pointing out these inconsistencies and exhibiting at one View the composition of the whole regular Military Establishment.
[ Q 120, p 57 ]
*For Enclosures see page 312.
316
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Abstract of Table referred to in Mr. Baker's Dispatch of 11th July 1812.
Total Grand
Date of Establishment. Nature of Establishmt. Aggregate. Total.
r General Staff 29
Peace estabt. March 18th 1802... -j Artillery, one Eegt 1,627
l Infantry, 2 Eegts each.. 1,614
3,270 3,270
f General Staff 22
Infantry, five Begts. ea. ._ 4,245
'^il'^lSo's^^..™^ Riflemen, one Regt 849
j Lt. Artillery, one Regt 819
L Lt. Dragoons, one Eegt 666
6,601 6,601
' General staff _ 16
Additional Military force 11th Infantry, 10 Regts each 20.660
Jany 1812 _.. | Artillery, 2 Regts each _ 3,828
t Lt. Dragoons, one Regt _ 1,178
\
2.^,682 25,682
General Staff 12
35,565
March 28, 1812.
Endorsed: Abstract of American Army. In Mr. Hamilton's 24th Augt. 1812.
[ Q 120, p 60 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO THE EARL OF LIVERPOOL.
[No. 57.]
Quebec, 15th July 1812.
My Lord,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Lordship's dispatches of the 30th March, 2nd and 20th April, No 8, 10, & 15, to which I now beg leave to reply, & to offer some observa- tions for Your Lordship's consideration.
I find by a communication from Major General Brock Command- ing in Upper Canada, that the American General OflScer Command- ing the District of Niagara, having received early information from bis Government of the declaration of war, had projected the sur-
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO THE EARL OF LIVERPOOL. 317
prize of Fort George; but fortunately the reports of the approach of hostilities, and of the preparations making for them, brought Major General Brook to the Fort, where the display of his vigi- lance and activity, induced them to relinquish the attempt.
Major General Brock has received certain accounts of war having been declared by the United States against Great Britain, and has reported to me that in consequence, it was his opinion he should be justified in offensive operations, but upon the reflection that at Detroit and St. Joseph's, the weak state of our Garrisons would prevent any essential service connected with their future security and that his only means of annoyance at present was limited to the reduction of Fort Niagara, which could be battered at any future period; He had therefore relinquished his original intention, and should attend only to defensive measures.
I have repeatedly recommended to Major General Brock, and to the OflScers in command of the other Districts of British America, an adherence to this System, and I have expressed to them my sentiments respecting the mode of conducting the war on our part, suited to existing circumstances, and as they change so should we vary our line of conduct, adapting it to our own means of preserv- ing entire the King's Provinces.
Our numbers would not justify offensive operations being under- taken, unless they were solely calculated to strengthen a defensive attitude: —
In the present state of politics in the United States, I consider it prudent to avoid every measure which can have the least tendency to unite the people of America, whilst disunion prevails among them, their attempts on the British American Provinces will be feeble, it is therefore my wish to avoid committing any act which may even by a strained construction tend to unite the Eastern and Southern States, unless from its perpetration we are to derive an immediate considerable and important advantage.
Major General Brock has called out the Flank Companies of the Militia, which has produced a Force in the Line of the Niagara Kiver of about 800 men — They turned out very cheerfully, but already shew a spirit of impatience.
The Americans are very active on the opposite side of that com- munication in the erection of Kedoubts, in this respect we are not idle — The Americans have 1,200 Regulars and Militia between Fort Niagara and Black Rock, but Major General Brook who has taken
318
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
his station at Fort George, considers himself at present perfectly safe against any attempt they can make.
About 100 Indians from the Grand Eiver have attended to his Summons the remainder promise to come also.
A report has been made to me by Major Macpherson command- ing at Kingston on Lake Ontario, that the Americans have taken possession of Carleton Island, near that Post, and have made Pris- oners of the small Party of the 10th Eoyal Veteran Battalion stationed on it.
We continue to possess a superiority in vessels of war upon Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.
Major General Brock is the only General OflScer in the extensive District of Upper Canada.
I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's Most obedient and
Most humble Servant
George Prevost. The Right Honourable The Earl of Liverpool, &ca,, &ca., &ca.
Endorsed: Qaebec, 15th July 1812.
Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 58. R. 18 Sepr. Ext. to Col. Torrens 18 Sept. 1812.
[ Q 118, p 89 ]
brig. gen. wm. hull to lt. col. j. b. st. george.
Headquarters of the North Western Army of the United States,
Camp at Sandwich, July 16th 1812.
Sir,
Among the Articles on board the Boat commanded by Captain Chapin which was taken into Amherstburg, were a number of papers, which it is presumed will be of no service to the British Government, nor to the Commanding officer at Amherstburg, nor to the captors of the Boat. The papers have undoubtedly undergone an examination before this time, and the bearer Captn. Brown of the 4th U. S. Regiment of Infantry is authorised to receive them.
I am anxious to learn your determination relative to tha private apparel and Baggage taken in the Boat, and belonging to officers and men, who were not on board at the time of the capture. You have already reciprocated the sentiment that private property should
LIEUT. COL. ST. GEORGE TO GENERAL HULL.
819
be considered sacred; indeed it will operate to the advantage of Canada that it should be so considered.
I have it in my power to retaliate signally any aggression on such property, or to avenge an unjust delay in the restitution of it. I have the honor to be &c
Wm. Hull,
Brig. Genl. Commg. the North Western Army of the U. S. The Honble J. B. 8t. George, Lt. Col. Commanding at Amherstburg.
Endorsed: 16th July 1812. * Brig. Genl. Hull to Lt. Col. St. George. No. 2. Inclosure in Sir G. Prevost's No. 3. Augt. 17th 1812.
[ Q 118, p 192 ]
LT. COL. J. B. ST. GEOEGE TO BRIG. GEN. WM. HULL.
Amherstburg, 16th July 1812.
Sir,
I was honoured with Your favor by Captn. Brown — with respect to the papers taken in the Schooner, they have upon examination, almost without exception, proved to be public documents, the few of a private nature that may be amongst them, it would cause con- siderable trouble to select, more indeed than the oflScer whom I have entrusted with the examination can at present spare.
As to private property, I beg to refer you to my answer to your forjner letter, I can add nothing to what I have expressed further than that I have not as yet heard the determination of my Gov- ernment on the Subject.
I regret to find in Your Excellency's Letter, the words retalia- tion and avenge" — ^You must be aware. Sir, that retaliation can be carried to a great degree on both sides till there is no saying where it will stop.
I hope that for both our sakes, that I shall be as little obliged to use the means in my power as you those in yours. I have the honor to be &ca.
J. B. St. George. His Excelly B. Genl. Hull, Commg. N. W. Army U. S., &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: 16th July 1812.
Lt. Col. St. George to B. Genl. Hull. No. 3.
Inclosure in Sir G. Prevost's No. 3, Augt. 17th 1812.
[ Q 118, p 194 ]
320
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
PROCLAMATION.
The unprovoked declaration of war, by the United States o£ America, against the United Kingdom, of Great Britain and Ireland, and its dependencies, has been followed by the actual invasion of this Province in a remote Frontier of the western District by a detach- ment of the armed Force of the United States. The officer com- manding that detachment has thought proper to invite His Majesty's Subjects not only to a quiet and unresisting submission, but insults them with a call to seek voluntarily the protection of his Govern- ment. Without condescending to repeat the illiberal epithets bestowed in this appeal of the American Commander to the People of Upper Canada, on the Administration of His Majesty, every Inhabitant of the Province is desired to seek the confutation of such indecent slander in the review of his own particular circumstances: where is the Canadian Subject who can truly affirm to himself that he has been injured by the Government in his person, his liberty, or his property? Where is to be found in any part of the world a growth so rapid in wealth and prosperity as this Colony exhibits — settled not thirty years by a band of veterans exiled from their former possessions on account of their loyalty, not a descendant of these brave people is to be found, who under the fostering liberality of their Sovereign, has not acquired a property and means of enjoy- ment superior to what were possessed by their ancestors. This unequalled prosperity could not have been attained by the utmost liberality of the Government or the persevering industry of the people, had not the maratime power of the mother Country secured to its Colonists a safe access to every market where the produce of their labor was in demand.
The unavoidable and immediate consequence of a separation from Great Britain, must be the loss of this inestimable advantage, and what is offered you in exchange to become a territory of the United States and share with them that exclusion from the Ocean, which the policy of their present Government inforces — you are not even flattered with a participation of their boasted independance, and it is but too obvious that once exchanged from the powerful protection of the United Kingdom you must be reannexed to the dominion of France, from which the Provinces of Canada were wrested by the Arms of Great Britain, at a vast expense of blood and treasure, from no other motive than to relieve her ungrateful children from the oppression of a cruel neighbour: this restitution
PROCLAMATION.
321
of Canada to the Empire of France was the stipulated reward for the aid afforded to the revolted Colonies, now the United States; the debt is still due, and there can be no doubt but the pledge has been renewed as a consideration for commercial advantages, or rather for an expected relaxation in the Tyranny of France over the commercial world. Are you prepared Inhabitants of Upper Canada to become willing subjects or rather slaves to the Despot who rules the nations of Europe with a rod of Iron? If not, arise in a Body, exert your energies, co-operate cordially with the King's regular Forces to repel the invader, and do not give cause to your children when groaning under the oppression of a foreign master to reproach you with having too easily parted with the richest Inher- itance on Earth — ^a participation in the name, character and freedom of Britons.
The same spirit of justice, which will make every reasonable allowance for the unsuccessful efforts of zeal and Loyalty, will not fail to punish the defalcation of principle: every Canadian free- holder is by deliberate choice, bound by the most solemn oaths to defend the monarchy as well as his own property ; to shrink from that engagement is a Treason not to be forgiven let no man sup- pose that if in this unexpected struggle His Majesties Arms should be compelled to yield to an overwhelming force, that the Province will be eventually abandoned; the endeared* relation of its first settlers, the intrinsic value of its commerce and the pretensions of its powerful rival to repossess the Canadas are pledges that no peace will be established between the United States and Great Britain and Ireland, of which the restoration of these Provinces does not . make the most prominent condition.
Be not dismayed at the unjustifiable threat of the Commander of the Enemies forces — to refuse quarter if an Enemy appear in the Ranks. The brave bands of Natives which inhabit this Colony, were like His Majesty's Subjects, punished for their zeal and fidel- ity by the loss of their possessions in the late Colonies, and rewarded by His Majesty with lands of superior value in this prov- ince: the faith of the British Government has never yet been vio- lated, they feel that the soil they inherit is to them and their posterity protected from the base arts so frequently devised to over reach their simplicity. By what new principle are they to be pre- vented from defending their property? If their warfare from being different from that of the white people is more terrific to the Enemy, let him retrace his steps, they seek him not and cannot
322
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
expect to find women and children in an invading army; but they are men, and have equal rights with all other men to defend themselves and their property when invaded, more especially when they find in the enemies camp a ferocious and mortal foe using the same warfare which the American Commander affects to reprobate.
This inconsistent and unjustifiable threat of refusing quarter for such a cause as being found in arms with a brother sufferer in defence of invaded rights, must be exercised with the certain assur- ance of retaliation not only in the limited operations of War in this part of the King's Dominions but in every quarter of the Globe, of the national character of Britain is not less distinguished for humanity than strict retributive justice, which will consider the execution of this inhuman threat as deliberate murder, for which every subject of the offending power must make expiation. God Save the King. Isaac Brook,
Headquarters, Fort George, Maj. Gen. and President.
22d July 1812. By order of His Honor, the President,
J. B. Glegg, Capt. A. D. C.
Endorsed: D. 22d July 1812.
Copy. Major General Brock's Proclamation. In answer to the one issued by B. Genl. Hull, on his Invasion of U. Canada.
[ Q 315 p, 152 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO THE EARL OF LIVERPOOL.
[No. 59.]
Quebec, 30th July 1812.
My Lords,
I do myself the honor to report to Your Lordship that I have this morning received Dispatches from Major General Brock com- manding in Upper Canada, conveying to me the Intelligence that an American Army of Two Thousand men under the command of Brig. General Hull had made its appearance at Detroit, and that a large detachment from it had crossed on the 12th Instant, to our possessions in Upper Canada, and are now occupying the Village of Sandwich a few miles above Fort Amherstburg; —
At Sandwich several hundreds of the Militia with a small detach- ment of regular Troops from the 41st Regiment and two field pieces were collected to defend it, but the enemy landing in several points so superior a force, occasioned our Troops and the Militia to retreat to Fort Amherstburg.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO THE EARL OF LIVERPOOL. 323
Immediately on the Enemy's taking up his position at Sandwich, Brig. General Hull issued an artful and insiduous Proclamation (a •copy of which I enclose for Your Lordship's Information) and which I have reason to apprehend has already been productive of consid- erable effect on the minds of the people; — a general sentiment pre- vails in that part of Upper Canada, that with the present force of the Enemy resistance is unavailing, and great numbers of the Militia have returned to their homes, under the promise held" out to them by General Hull that, if they remain at their homes, their persons «& private property will be respected.
Lieut Col St George commanding at Fort Amherstburg states that not more than 470 of the Militia were with him on the 15th Instant, and those in such a state as to be totally ineflScient in the field; — ^ Lieut Col. St George has also about 300 of the 41st Regt with him at Fort Amherstburg; — Were it possible to animate the Militia in that part of the Upper Province with a proper sense of their duty, something might yet be done for its defence; Lt. Col. St George's position at Fort Amherstburg is very good and formidable, but should he be compelled to retire, there is no alter- native for him than embarking in the King's Vessels and proceed- ing to Fort Erie,
By the report of the Captain of Engineers I sent to Amherst- burg, I am informed that 20 pieces of Cannon are mounted in the Fort, the platforms and Gun Carriages are all repaired — the four bastions fraized and the escarp all round deepened — they have a large quantity of Timber in the Fort, a splinter proof log building has been thrown up, and a small expence magazine is in a state of forwardness.
Major General Brock has enclosed to me the copies of some interesting Documents found on board a schooner (captured by the Boats of His Majesty's Schooner Hunter) on her voyage from the Miami to Detroit, which I have the honor to transmit herewith. I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's most obedient humble Servant
George Prevost.
The Bight Honorable The Earl of Liverpool.
Endorsed: Quebec, 30th July 1812.
Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 59. 18 Sep. (Four Inclosnres.)
[ Q 118, p 68 ]
324
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
ANTHONY S. BAKEK TO LORD CASTLEEEAGH.
Extract of a Dispatch from Mr. Baker to Lord Viscount Castlereagh.
Dated Washington, August Ist 1812.
The American Ship Pacifick being about to sail for England by the permission of this Government, having on board a number of His Majesty's Subjects, who were desirous of leaving the United States, I avail myself of the opportunity to acquaint Your Lordship that General Hull entered Canada on the night of the 11th Ulto. and on the following day issued from his Head Quarters at Sand- wich, a small open Town, a little above Detroit on the opposite side of the Eiver, a Proclamation to the Inhabitants, a printed copy of which is annexed. In this he informs them that he enters the Province as a friend, tenders to them, as Children of the same family, civil, political, and religious freedom, & professes his read- iness to accept their services, if offered voluntarily : at the same time threatening to carry on a War of extermination, if the Indiana are employed against him.
Accounts from his Army state that it was his intention to march without loss of time against Fort Maiden, and that no resistance had been as yet experienced by him, the British force being con- centrated in and about that place. It does not appear, that he has been joined by any of the Canadians, although some of the Militia have, in consequence of his Proclamation, returned to their homes.
He was in expectation of soon receiving Reinforcements to the amount of 1500 men, chiefly Volunteers and Militia.
The accounts of the loss of part of his Baggage on Lake Erie appear to be confirmed.
Endorsed:
Extract of a Dispatch from Mr. Baker to Lord Castlereagh, dated Washington, Angt. Ist 1812.
[ Q 120, p 63 ]
COUNCIL AT YORK.
325
PROCEEDINGS OF A COUNCIL HELD AT YORK, RESPECTING THE WESTERN
FRONTIER.
At a Council held at the Government House, York Upper Canada.
Monday August 3rd 1812
Present
Major General Brook Honble The Chief Justice " James Baby " Alexander Grant John McGill Mr. Justice Powell Prideaux Selby
His Honor the President represented to the Board that the hopes he had entertained from the call of the Legislature was likely to be disappointed.
That the Lower House of Assembly instead of prompt exertions to strengthen his hands for the Government of the Militia provid- ing for security from internal Treason by partial suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act, authorising a partial exercise of Martial Law concurrently with the ordinary course of Justice, and placing at his disposal for the defence of the Province the Funds not actually applied, upon past appropriations, had consumed eight days in carrying a single measure of party — the repeal of the School Bill, and passing an Act for the public disclosure of Treasonable prac- tices before the Magistrates should have power to commit without bail. That under such circumstances little could be expected from ihe prolonged session of the Legislature.
That the enemy had invaded and taken Post in the Western District, was multiplying daily his Preparation to Invade in others: ihat the Militia in a perfect state of insubordination had withdrawn from the Ranks, in actual service; had refused to march when legally commanded to reinforce a detachment of the Eegular Force for the relief of Amherstburg — had insulted their officers, and some, not immediately embodied, had manifested in many instances, a treasonable spirit, of neutrality or disaffection.
That the Indians on the Grand River, tampered with the dis- affected whites, had withdrawn from their Volunteer services, and declared for a neutrality, which, in respect of them, was equally inadmissable, as with the King's other subjects.
326
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
That in the Western and London Districts several persons had negooiated with the Enemy's commander, hailing his arrival and pledging support. That the Regular Force consisted of one Regi- ment the 41st nine hundred strong and part of the Royal New- foundland Regiment, Two hundred with a detachment of the Royal Artillery and several armed Vessels. That the extent of Coast exposed and the great distance of the prominent points had obliged him to divide that force to support and countenance the Militia. That the conduct of the Western Militia had exposed to imminent danger the Regular force at Amherstburg, and however inconvenient he had made a large detachment of the 41st and Militia from the^ Home and Niagara Districts with the few Indians not corrupted, to reinforce that garrison, if time would admit.
That, on the other hand, the Commandant at St Joseph had with his garrison and Indians taken the Island of Michilimackinack, the Garrison of which capitulated, without firing a shot.
That in all probability part of that force might descend to Detroit, and in such case, a co-operation with the Garrison at Fort Amherstburg, reinforced by the detachment now on its march to Long Point might compel the Invaders to retire or surrender, but that no good result from any military expedition could be expected unless more powerful restraint could be imposed on the Militia than the actual law admits, and that he had power to restrain the general population from treasonable adherence with the Enemy, or neutrality, by summary proceeding & punishment, nor could the colony be considered safe from the Indians in its very bosom, whilst liable to be tampered with by disaffected persons, exposed only to the slow progress of conviction by Criminal Law.
That with this view of the situation of the Colony, he submitted for the consideration of the Council how far it might be expedient to Prorogue the General House of Assembly and proclaim Martial Law, under the powers of the King's Commission in case of Invasion.
The Council adjourned for deliberation.
Tuesday 4th August The Council met from adjournment of yesterday.* Present
The same members.
GENERAL WILLIAM HULL TO WILLIAM EUSTIS.
327
The Council having deliberated upon His Honor's representation, is unanimously of opinion, that under the circumstances of the Colony, It is expedient, upon Prorogation of the General Assembly to proclaim and exercise Martial Law according to the powers of His Majesty's Commission to the Governor General.
Endorsed: 3d Angust 1812.
Proceedings Council at York. No. 1. Enclosure in Sir G. Prevost's No. 3, Augt 17th 1812.
[ Q 118, p 187 ]
BRIG. GEN. WM. HULL TO HON, WM. EUSTIS,
Sandwich, Upper Canada, August 4th 1812.
Sir,
At the time when the Army under my command took possession of this part of the Province of Upper Canada, every thing appeared favorable & all the operations of the army have been successful. Circumstances have since occurred which seem materially to change our future prospect.
The unexpected surrender of Michilimackinac, and the tardy opera- tions of the army at Niagara, are the circumstances to which I allude. I have every reason to expect in a very short time a large body of Savages from the North whose operations will be directed against this army. They are under the Influence of the North and South-West Companies and the interest of the companies depends on opening the Detroit River this Summer. It is the channel by which they obtain their supplies, and there can be no doubt but every effort will be made against this army to open that communication.
It is the opinion of the oflScers and the most respectsfble gentle- men from Mackinac that the British can engage any number of Indians they may have occasion for, and that including the engagee's of the North West and South West Companies, two or three thousand will be brought to this place in a very short time. Dispatches have been sent to Maiden, and the Messengers have returned with orders.
With respect to the delay at Niagara, the following consequences have followed.
328
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
A Major Chambers of the British army with fifty five regulars and four pieces of Brass Artillery, have been detached from Niagara, and by the last accounts had penetrated as far as Delaware, about one hundred and twenty miles, for this place, Every effort was making by this Detachment to obtain reinforcements from the Militia and Indians, considerable numbers had joined, and it was expected this force would consist of six or seven hundred. The object of this Force is to operate against this army. Two days ago all the Indians were sent from Maiden with a small body of British Troops to Brownstown and Maguago, and made prisoners of the Wyandotts of these places. There are strong reasons to believe that it was by their own consent, notwithstanding the professions they had made. Under all these circumstances you will perceive that the situation of this Army is critical.
I am now preparing a work on this Bank which may be defended by about three hundred men. I have consulted with the principal officers, and an attempt to storm the Fort at Maiden is thought unadvisable, without Artillery to make a Breach. The Picketts are fourteen feet high, and defended by Bastions, on which are mounted twenty four pieces of Cannon.
I am preparing Floating Batteries to drive the Queen Charlotte from the mouth of the River Canard, and land them below that River, and it is my intention to march down with the army, and as soon as a Breach can be made, attempt the place by storm. Circumstances, however may render it necessary to recross the River with the main body of the army to preserve the communication for the purpose of obtaining supplies from Ohio. I am constantly obliged to make strong Detachments to convey the Provisions between the foot of the Rapids and Detroit. If nothing should be done at Niagara and the Force should come from the North and the East, as is almost certain, you must be sensible of the difficul- ties which will attend my situation.
I can promise nothing but my best and most faithful exertions to promote the honour of the army and the interest of my Country. I am very respectfully
Your most obedient Servant
W. Hull.
To the Honble Wm. Eustis, Secy. Dept. of War.
Endorsed: dopy of a letter from Governor Hull, dated Sandwich, Upper Canada, Augt. 4th 1812. Sir G. PrevoBt. No. 4.
[ Q 118, p 196 ]
LETTER TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
329
LETTER TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
[No. 5.] Downing Street, 10th August 1812.
To Lieut General Sir George Prevost, Bart, &ca. &ca. &ca. Sir,
I have received your several Dispatches from No 37 to 55 inclusive.
Since the date of the letter which I addressed to you, on the 4th July, His Eoyal Highness The Prince Regent has received the Intelligence that the President of the United States has declared war against this Country.
As His Royal Highness's intentions in regard to the Repeal of the Orders in Council were not known in America at the time that the Declaration of war was issued. His Royal Highness still retains an anxious hope that our Amicable Relations with the United States may shortly be restored on a permanent Basis. But whilst His Royal Highness anticipates with undisguised satisfaction the renewal of a friendly intercourse with America, he can con- template without apprehension the continuance of the present Hostilities.
Notwithstanding the limited means which His Royal Highness has been enabled to appropriate, to the defence of His Majesty's North American Possessions, on account of the extended Warfare in which he is engaged, & the vital importance of the objects for which he is contending, yet should the enemy put into execution their Threats of invading Canada, & besieging Quebec, every apprehension for the Result will be removed from the mind of His Royal Highness by the known valour of His Troops, and the character of their Commander.
His Royal Highness has witnessed with the greatest satisfaction the anxiety which His Majesty's Canadian Subjects have evinced to make the resources of their Country available for its protection, and to share with British Troops the glory of repelling in the field, the attack with which it has been threatened.
His Royal Highness trusts however that the Distinguished Proofs which they have already given of their attachment to their lawful Sovereign, & their Determination to make every sacrifice in Defence of their Country must have destroyed every Hope of success, which the enemy may at any time have presumed to entertain, and will secure the Canadas even from the attempt to subdue them. 42
830
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
His Koyal Highness commands me to assure you that he commits to you with perfect confidence the important charge with which you are entrusted and with a firm conviction that it could not have been placed in hands more worthy of receiving it.
My separate Dispatch of this date will convey to you His Royal Highness's pleasure upon such points, adverted to in your late Dispatches, as require the immediate signification of it.
Endorsed : Draft .
Lieateaant Geaeral Sir Geo. Prevosj, Bart, &3. &c. &c. August 1812. No. 5.
[ Q 118, p 32 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO THE EARL OF LIVERPOOL.
[No. 65.]
Montreal, 14th August 1812.
My Lord,
I have the honor to transmit herewith for Your Lordship's information, the copy of a Report* which has been forwarded to me by Major General Brock of the surrender by capitulation f of the American Post of Michilimackinac to a Detachment of His Majesty's Troops from St Joseph's under the command of Captain Roberts of the 10th Royal Veteran Battalion. This Report is accom- panied by a Return of Prisoners taken, and of the Stores which were found in the Fort;
In addition to these, I have a further Report of the Crews of two vessels to the number of forty-three who were in the Fort, having fallen into our hands, together with seven hundred Packs of Furs;—
My Dispatch No 59, will have acquainted Your Lordship of a large Detachment from the American army having taken possession of Sandwich on the 12th ultimo: —
Brigadier General Hull I find commenced his operations against Amherstburg a few days after, and the Detachment of the 41st Regiment have behaved with great gallantry, in repelling three attempts made by the i^mericans to approach the Fort by the River Canard ; —
* Published in Vol. 15, p, 109. t Published in Vol. 15, p. 110.
GENERAL ORDERS. 331
These successes, with the diversion on the flank of the Enemy by^ I the possession of Michilimaokinac on the 17th Ulto, may be attended with consequences favorable to the security of Upper Canada. I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordships
Most obedient and
Most humble Servant
George Prevost. To the Eight Honorable The Earl of Liverpool, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: Montreal, 14th August 1812. Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 65. R. 28th Sept. Four Inclosures.
[ Q 118, p 149 ]
GENERAL ORDERS.
Extracts from General Orders issued by the late Major General Sir Isaac Brock in August 1812.
Head Quarters, Fort Amherstburg, August 14th 1812.
" James Givens, Esquire, late Captain 6th Regiment is appointed Provincial Aide de Camp with the rank of Major in the Militia."
J. B. Glegg, Aid de Camp. Certified. N. Coffin, Adjt. Genl. Militia, Upper Canada.
True Extract. Wm. Kemble, Fort Major.
[ Q 326, p 25 ]
Head Quarters, Detroit, 16th August 1812.
"To His Personal Staff the Major General feels himself under much obligation, and he requests Lieut Colonel McDonell, Majors Glegg and Givens will be assured that their zealous exertions have made too deep an impression upon his mind ever to be forgotten.
J. B. Glegg,
True extract. Wm. Kemble, Fort Major. ^ Aid de Camp.
[ Q 326, p 25 ]
332
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
CAPITULATION FOR THE SURRENDER OF DETROIT.
Camp at Detroit, 16th August 1812.
Capitulation for the surrender of Port Detroit, entered into between Major General Brock, Commanding His Britannic Majesty's Forces, on the one part, and Brigadier General Hull Commanding the North Western Army of the United States on the other part.
1st. Fort Detroit with all the Troops, Eegulars and Militia, will be immediately surrendered to the British Forces under the com- mand of Major General Brock, and will be considered prisoners of war with the exception of such of the Militia of the Michigan Territory as have not joined the army.
2nd. All public Stores, arms and all public documents including every thing else of a public nature, will be immediately given up.
3rd. Private persons and property of every description will be respected.
4th. His Excellency Brigadier General Hull, having expressed a desire that a detachment from the' State of Ohio, on its way to join his army as well as one sent out from Fort Detroit, under the Command of Colonel McArthur, should be included in the above capitulation. It is accordingly agreed to. It is however to be understood that such part of the Ohio Militia, as have not joined the army, will be permitted to return to their homes, on condition that they will not serve during the war, their arms however, to be delivered up, if belonging to the public.
5th. The Garrison will march out at the hour of 12 o'clock, this day and the British Forces will take immediate possession of the Fort.
J. Macdonell, Lt. Col. Militia D. A. D. C. J. B. Glegg,
Major A. D. C.
Approved. W. Hull, B. Genl. Comdg. N. W. Army.
James Miller, Lt. Col. 5 E. U. S. Infy. E. Brush, Col. 1 Eegt. Michigan Militia.
Approved. Isaac Brock.
[ Q 315, p 168 ]
ATDEWOfT
ri wr 9
PlAJVoFfomi ARNAUD
AS /r /,S R~£PAfRED AT THfS ^PRESENT DATE
QCEBECWZ
References
Field MounUJ enCarhtlte at—--K
10 Inc/i Houjitzer mounttJ- B
Pounc/en dilto C
6 Fhunders on Field Carriages O
Barracks ■•• E
Srore -'--F
Ouard House » -'-C
fiwder Magazine H
S/>of Yor^. I
Emhrosure sodded </> \ »/ P/a//orm left SUod.n^ f ^ Lookout Hoose K
rf)e p/at^ormi are all new i picltettin^ in (fie ddch and on the crerm of lf>e scarpore, also entirely new. The lorcei tl>e work inciu- dioj the Curtain and Half Bastion from an^le to artjfe are about 250 or "5 00 Jeet ; width from f fie Lotto m of tfieditcfi totfietop of the Jarapet ohoot So ar28feet;tlie whole afipyears to he in a veiyjood stale of reJiaJr wilh the exception of the Embra- sures next Ihe Domain marked thos B. ivhrch wont new sodding.
Fehrugrjr /0^/8J2
fort JL yArrmuc/,at Detroit Surrenflere€f to major Genera/ Isaac 3rocU.
Sca/e £2SFtet - I Mncf,
is Jo 13 loo lis
ConaJjan j^rcA/'yes
Q.5/S /'J 73 Co/on/a/ Office Recortk
PROCLAMATION.
833
An Article supplemental to the Articles of Capitulation, concluded at Detroit the 16th of August 1812.
It is agreed that the oflBcers and soldiers of* the Ohio Militia and Volunteers shall be permitted to proceed to their respective homes, on this condition that they are not to serve during the present war, unless they are exchanged.
W. Hull, B. Genl. Comdg. N. W. Army U. S.
Isaac Brook,
Major General.
An article in addition to the supplemental article of the capitula- tion concluded at Detroit the 16th of August A. D. 1812.
It is further agreed that the oflScers and soldiers of the Michigan Militia and Volunteers are placed by the supplemental article of the 16th Inst.
W. Hull, B. Genl. Comg. N. W. Army U. S.
Isaac Brock, Major General.
Endorsed: E.
Copy 16th Augast 1812. Capitulation of Fort Detroit & its Dependencies.
[ Q 315, p 170 ]
PROCLAMATION.
By Isaac Brock, Esquire, Major General Commanding His Majesty's- Brittanic Majesty's Forces in the Province of Upper Canada &c. &c. &c.
Whereas the Territory of Michigan was this day by Capitulation ceded to the Arms of His Britannic Majesty without any other con- dition than the protection of private property — and wishing to give an early proof of the moderation and justice of the Government, I do hereby announce to all the Inhabitants of the said Territory, that the Laws heretofore in existence shall continue in force until His Majesty's pleasure be known or so long as the peace and safety of the said Territory will admit thereof. And I do hereby also declare and make known to the said Inhabitants, that they shall be protected in the full exercise of their Religion, of which
\
3B4 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
all persons both Civil and Military will take notice, and govern themselves accordingly.
All persons having • in their possession or having any knowledge of any public property, shall forthwith deliver in the same or give notice thereof to the oflScer Commanding or Lieutenant Colonel Nichol, who are hereby duly authorized to receive and give proper Receipts for the same.
OflScers of Militia will be held responsible that all arms in pos- session of Militia Men, be immediately delivered up, and all Indi- viduals whatever, who have in their possession, arms of any kind will deliver them up without delay.
Given under my hand at Detroit this sixteenth day of August, one thousand eight hundred and twelve, and in the Fifty second year of His Majesty's Reign.
Isaac Brock, Major General.
Endorsed: Copy E. 16th Augnst 1812.
Proclamation by Major General Brock, Commg. H. M. Forces, to the people of the Michigan Territory.
[ Q 315, p 172 ]
MAJ. GEN. ISAAC BROCK TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
Head Quarters, Detroit, August 17th, 1812.
Sir,
I have had the honor of informing Your Excellency that the Enemy effected his passage across the Detroit River on the 12th Ultimo, without opposition, and that after establishing himself at Sandwich he had ravaged the Country as far as the Moravian Town. Some skirmishes occurred between the Troops under Lieut Colonel St George and the Enemy upon the River Canard, which uniformly terminated in his being repulsed with loss.
The occupation of Sandwich was evidently productive of consid- erable effect on the minds of a large portion of the Inhabitants. The disaffected became more audacious, and the wavering more intimidated. I judged it therefore proper to detach at every risk a force down the River Thames capable of acting in conjunction with the Garrison of Amherstburg offensively but Captain Chambers whom I had appointed to direct this detachment, experienced difficulties from the prevalent spirit of the moment, that frustrated my inten- tions.
GENERAL BROCK TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
335
The intelligence received from that Quarter admitting of no delay, Colonel Proctor was directed to assume the command, and his force was soon after encreased with sixty rank and file of the 41st Kegiment.
In the mean time the most strenuous measures were adopted, to counteract the machinations of the evil disposed, and I soon expe- rienced the gratification of receiving voluntary ofl:ers of service from that portion of the embodied militia the most easily collected.
In the attainment of this most important point, gentlemen of the first character and influence shewed an example highly creditable to them, and I cannot on this occasion avoid mentioning the essen- tial assistance I derived from John McDonell Esquire, His Majesty's Attorney General, who from the beginning of the war has honored me with his services as my provincial Aid-de-Oamp.
A suflSciency of boats being collected at Long Point for the con- veyance of three hundred men, the embarkation took place on the Sth instant, and in five days arrived in safety at Amherstburg.
I found that the judicious arrangements which had been adopted immediately upon the arrival of Colonel Proctor had compelled the Enemy to retreat and take shelter under the Guns of his Fort.
That officer commenced operations by sending strong detachments across the river with a view of cutting off the Enemy's communi- <;ation with his resources, this produced two smart skirmishes on the 5th and 9th instant, in both of which the Enemy's loss was very considerable — whilst ours amounted to three killed and thirteen wounded, amongst the latter I have particularly to regret Captain Muir and Lieut Sutherland of the 41st Kegiment, the former an officer of great experience, and both ardent in His Majesty's Service.
Batteries had likewise been commenced opposite Fort Detroit, for one 18 pounder, two 12, and two 5^ inch Mortars, all of which opened on the evening of the 15th (having previously summoned Brigr. General Hull to surrender) and although opposed by a well directed fire from seven 24 pounders, such was th^ir construction under the able direction of Captain Dixon of the Royal Engineers, that no injury was sustained from its effect.
The force at my disposal being collected in the course of the 15th in the neighbourhood of Sandwich, the embarkation took place a little after daylight on the following morning, and by the able arrangements of Lieut Dewar, of the Quarter Master General's Department, the whole was in a short time landed without the
336
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
smallest confusion at Spring Well, a good position three miles west of Detroit. The Indians who had in the meantime effected their landing two miles below, moved forwards, and occupied the woods about a mile and a half on our left.
The force which I instantly directed to march against the enemy, consisted of thirty Royal Artillery, two hundred and fifty 41st Regt, fifty Royal Newfoundland Regiment, four hundred Militia and about six hundred Indians, to which were attached three 6 pounders and two 3 pounders.
The services of Lieut. Troughton commanding the Royal Artillery, an active intelligent officer, being required in the field, the direction of the Batteries was entrusted to Captain Hull, and the Marine Department, and I cannot with hold my entire approbation of their conduct on this occasion. _
I crossed the river with an intention of waiting in a strong position the effect of our fire upon the Enemy's camp, and in the hope of compelling him to meet us in the field. But receiving information upon landing that Colonel McArthur, an officer of high reputation, had left the Garrison three days before with a detach- ment of five hundred men, and hearing soon afterwards that his Cavalry had been seen that morning three miles in our rear, I decided on an immediate attack. Accordingly the Troops advanced to within one mile of the Fort, and having ascertained that the Enemy had taken little or no precaution towards the land side, I resolved on an assault, whilst the Indians penetrated his camp. Brigr. Genl. Hull however prevented this movement by proposing a cessation of hostilities, for the purpose of preparing terms of capitulation, Lieut Colonel John McDonell and Capt Glegg were accordingly deputed by me on this mission, and returned within an hour with the conditions, which I have the honor to transmit.
Certain considerations induced me afterwards to agree to the two supplementary articles.
The force fhus surrendered to His Majesty's Arms, cannot be estimated at less than two thousand five hundred men : — ^in this Estimate Colonel McArthur's Detachment is included, as he surren- dered agreeably to the terms of capitulation in the course of the evening, with the exception of two hundred men whom he left escorting a valuable convoy at some little distance in his rear, but there can be no doubt the officer commanding will consider himself equally bound by the capitulation.
GENERAL BROCK TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
337
The enemy's aggregate force was divided into Two Troops of Cavalry One Company of Artillery, regulars. The 4th United States Regiment.
Detachments of the 1st and 8rd United States Eegiment,
Volunteers. Three Regiments of the Ohio Militia. One do of Michigan Territory. Thirty three pieces of brass and iron Ordnance have already been secured. When this contest commenced many of the Indian Nations were engaged in active warfare with the United States, notwithstanding the constant endeavours of this government to dissuade them from it. Some of the principal chiefs happened to be at Amherstburg trying to procure a supply of Arms and Ammunition which for , years had been withheld, agreeably to the Instructions received from Sir James Craig, and since repeated by Your Excellency.
From that moment they took a most active part, and appeared foremost on every occasion, they were led yesterday by Colonel Elliott and Captain McKee, and nothing could exceed their order and steadiness, a few prisoners were taken by them during the advance whom they treated with every humanity, and it affords me much pleasure in assuring Your Excellency that such was their forbearance and attention to what was required of them, that the enemy sustained no other loss in men than what was occasioned by the fire of our batteries.
The high sense I entertain of the abilities and judgment of Lieut Colonel Myers induced me to appoint him to the important com- mand at Niagara.
It was with reluctance I deprived myself of his assistance, but had no other expedient.
His duties as head of the Quarter Master General's department were performed to my satisfaction by Lt Colonel Nicholls Quarter Master General of the Militia.
Captain Glegg, my Aid-de-Camp will have the honor of deliver- ing this Dispatch to Your Excellency.
He is charged with the colors taken at the capture of Fort Detroit, and those of the 4th United States Regiment.
Captain Glegg is capable of giving Your Excellency every informa- tion respecting the state of the Province, and I shall esteem myself 43
338
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
highly indebted to Your Excellency to afford him that protection to which his merit and length of service give him a powerful claim.
I have the honor to be with every consideration &ca.
Isaac Brock,
Major Genl.
His Excellency Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost, Bart. &ca. &ca. &ca.
P. S. I have the honor to enclose a copy of a Proclamation which I issued immediately on taking possession of this Country.
I should have mentioned in the body of my Dispatch, the cap- ture of the Adams, she is a fine Vessel and recently repaired, but without arms.
I. B.
Endorsed: Copy of a letter from Major Genl. Brock. Detroit 17th Augt. 1812. Incloeure No. 1 in Sir G. Prevost's No. 7, Sept. let, 1812.
[ Q 118, p 228 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 2.]
Montreal, 17th August 1812.
My Lord,
In my dispatch No 63 of the date of the 5th inst, I had the honour of acquainting Lord Liverpool of the mission I had entrusted to Col. Baynes to the Head Quarters of the American Army. 1 have now the honor of informing Your Lordship of the return of that officer on the 12th inst, after having performed the service on which he was employed in a manner highly satisfactory to me, & equally creditable to himself and advantageous to the public.
In Col. Baynes Keport* — & in the letters of General Dearborn, f Copies of which I now transmit to Your Lordship, you will see fully detailed the steps which have been taken on both sides in consequence of my communication to the Commander in Chief of the American Forces, and I have no doubt Your Lordship will be happy to observe the conciliatory disposition with which that com- munciation has been met, & the prospect it seems to hold out of an amicable settlement at a period not far distant, of the differ-
* Pablished in Vol, 15, page 130. t Published in Vol. 15, page 128.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL. BATHURST.
339
^nces subsistiDg between the two Countries; in the mean time <fe until the favorable determination of the American government on this subject shall be made known to me, Your Lordship may rest assured that I shall by no means relax in the necessary prepara- i;ions for strengthening the defences of both Ihis and the Upper Province, & which I am happy to find under the arrangement made by Col. Baynes with General Dearborn I shall probably be able to compleat without any serious delay or interruption on the part of the Enemy — From Colonel Baynes I have been enabled to ascer- tain with some degree of certainty what are the nature & extent of the Enemy's means of conveyance on our Frontiers, should an active warfare be determined on by them, & altho the present disposition of the people appears evidently averse to the war, & their Military resources extremely defective, yet as circumstances of irritation may arise from its continuance to unite them more in its favor, & to render them more active in its prosecution. Your Lord- ship will I trust not deem it the less necessary considering the great exertions I am making for the defence of Upper Canada to afford me as expeditiously as possible whatever reinforcements can be spared consistent with the other important demands of the Public Service.
I have only to repeat the assurance I have already so often made to Your Lordship's Predecessor that nothing shall be wanting on iny part to discharge with fidelity the important trust committed to me & to preserve entire this valuable portion of His Majesty's Dominions.
I have the honor to be ' My Lord
Your Lordship's
Most obedient
Humble Servant
George Prevost.
The Right Honorable The Earl of Bathurst.
Endorsed: Montreal, 17th Augt. 1812.
Lieut. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 2. E. 28th Sept. (Three Inclosnres.)
£ Q 118, p 160 1
340
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 3.]
Montreal, 17th Augt. 1812.
My Lord,
I have the honor to inform Your Lordship that an Invasion of Upper Canada took place on the 12th of July last, the enemy having on that day crossed the River Detroit with a Force com- posed of Eegular Troops and Militia together with Forty or Fifty Cavalry amounting in the whole to about 2,300 men under the com- mand of Brigadier General Hull & took post at Sandwich.
The militia in the neighbourhood not being able to oppose any effectual resistance retreated upon their approach towards Fort Amherstburg about twelve miles distant. Part of the Enemy's Force having since advanced to within about six miles of that Fort; several skirmishes have taken place between them & the Troops of the garrison which have constantly terminated in favor of the latter, with the loss of several men on the part of the Enemy, & of only one Soldier of the 41st killed & another wounded and a similar loss on the part of the Indians. And I am happy to say that on these different occasions His Majesty's 41st Regt in a particular manner distinguished themselves.
The last accounts from Amherstburg are to the 30th Ulto at which time Col. Procter of the 41st Regt who commanded there did not conceive the Post to be in any immediate danger, tho' at the same time he strongly pressed for a reinforcement.
Immediately upon the Invasion of the Province and upon the issuing of the Proclamation by General Hull,* which I have the honor of herewith transmitting, it was plainly perceived by General Brock that little reliance could be placed upon the Militia, and as little dependance upon the active exertions of any considerable pro- portion of the population of the Country, unless he was vested with full power to repress the disaffected Spirit which was daily begin- ning to shew itself, & to restrain & punish the disorders which threatened to dissolve the whole Militia Force he had assembled. He therefore called together the Provincial Legislature on the 27th Ulto in the hope that they would adopt prompt & effective meas- ures for strengthening the hands of the Government at a period of such danger & difficulty, & which were so necessary effectually to
* Proclamation published in Vol. 15, page 106.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
341
Tepel the Invasion made upon one part of the Province, & to defend it from the attacks menaced upon others.
In these reasonable expectations I am sorry to say Genl. Brock has been miserably disappointed, & a lukewarm & temporizing spirit • evidently dictated either by the apprehension or the wish that the Enemy might soon be in complete possession of the Country, hav- ing prevented the Assembly from adopting any of the measures proposed to them, they were prorogued on the 5th Inst.
This step Gen. Brock was induced to take by the advice of the Executive Council, a copy of whose proceedings* on that head I have the honor to inclose to Your Lordship, & to which I beg leave to refer you as containing the fullest information of the state of the Province, and of the means to be employed for* its defence.
I have also the honor of transmitting to Your Lordship copies of two lettersf which passed between Genl. Hull and Lt, Col. St. George then commanding at Amherstburg as indicative of the tem- per and disposition in which the Invasion of Upper Canada has been undertaken.
Genl. Brock fully aware of the great Importance of the Post of Amherstburg had previous to the invaison of the Province strength- ened it in every way which the small means in his power would permit, & finding from the result of the meeting of the Legislature that he was left to his own resources arising almost wholly from the regular Troops under his command, to resist the further approaches of the Enemy, he left York on the 5th Inst., for Fort George for the purpose of putting himself at the head of a detachment of picked Militia Volunteers whom he was assembling at Long Point on Lake Erie & with whom together with a party of 60 men of the 41st Regt & such Indians as he could collect it was his inten- tion to proceed to the immediate relief of Amherstburg, as upon the safety of that Post until the arrival of such reinforcements as I might be enabled to afford him from this Province, would in a great measure depend the Fate of the Province.
From the moment I had heard of the Invasion of the Upper Province I had not been unmindful of the necessity of reinforcing Genl. Brock to such an extent as the exigencies of the service in this Province would permit, and arrangements were accordingly made for that purpose.
* For Proceedings of Council see pai e 825. t For letters see pages 318, 319.
342
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
A part of the 49th Regt has already proceeded from Montreal to Kingston where it has probably arrived by this time, and has been followed by the remainder of the Newfoundland Regiment of some picked Veterans; the other companies of the 49th Regiment will proceed to the same destination as soon as a sufficient number of ' batteaux can be collected.
I have also deemed it necessary to give Major Genl. Sheaffe a temporary employment upon the Staff as Major General in Upper Canada, & from his long residence in that Country & his known abilities, I feel confident he will prove of material assistance to Genl. Brock under whose command I have placed him. The great superiority of our Naval Force on the Lakes has contributed in na small degree' to protract the fall of Amherstburg, & will I have no doubt enable the destined reinforcements to reach it in safety;, whilst at the same time the fortunate surrender of Fort Michilimack- inac, the detail of which I have had the honor of transmitting to Lord Liverpool, may, as I trust it will, occasion a diversion by the- Indians in the rear and on the flanks of the Enemy, so as to enable Genl. Brock to attack them with advantage & probably compel them to retire from the Province.
To the prompt persevering & energetic measures of that officer in a season of uncommon difficulty & embarrassment must be ascribed the present safety of the Upper Province, & I confidently look forward to its ultimate preservation from a continuance of the same zeal, judgment & ability which he has hitherto manifested in its defence.
In addition to the other difficulties of Genl. Brock's Situation I ought not to omit to mention to Your Lordship the want of money, which could not be obtained at any discount for Government Bills of Exchange; all that possibly could be spared from the Military Chest in this Province has been sent to him, & I deem it a sin- gularly fortunate occurrence that at this critical Juncture, the issue of Army Bills which I have made under the Sanction of the late Act of the Provincial Legislature of Lower Canada now enables me to relieve him from the increased embarrassments in which he would have otherwise been involved from the want of money both for the payment of the Regular Troops & of the Militia. Upon the Frontier Line extending from Fort Erie to the Head of the Lake Ontario no attack has hitherto been made by the Enemy, nor
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
343
is it apprehended whilst Amherstburg holds out that any will be made which the Force in that quarter is not adequate to repel. From Kingston to Montreal the Frontier Line appears at present equally secure & such measures have been adopted for its defence by the supply of Arms & Ammunition to the Militia in that Quar- ter who appear particularly well disposed & active, as well as by mounting guns on commanding positions, that the communication by the Kiver to the Lake will be fully protected & the country secure from any attempts of the Enemy to molest it. The arrival of the first Battalion of the Royals from the West Indies with the exception of one Transport captured by the United States Frigate Essex but afterwards ransomed & sent to Halifax has principally afforded me the means of furnishing Genl. Brock with the rein- forcements I have sent to him. The 8th or Kings Regiment has arrived this mg. from Quebec to relieve the 49th Regt. This fine & effective Regt of the 8th together with a chain of Troops estab- lished in the vicinity of this place consisting of regular & Militia Forces, the whole amounting to near Four thousand five hundred men, effectually serve to keep in check the Enemy in this Quarter where alone they are in any strength, & to prevent any attempt to carry on a predatory warfare against this flourishing portion of Lower Canada.
Having thus detailed to Your Lordship the measures I have found it necessary to adopt for the security of the Canadas allow me to request you will submit them to His Royal Highness The Prince Regent with the expression of my humble hope that they may meet His Royal Highnesse's approbation. I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
Most obedient
Humble Servant
George Prevost.
The Right Honorable The Earl of Bathurst.
Endorsed: Montreal August 17th 1812. Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 3. R. 28th Sept. (Three Inclosures.)
[ Q 118, p 177 ]
344
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
SIR GEORGE PREYOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 4.]
Montreal, 24th August 1812.
My Lord,
Since my last Dispatch to Your Lordship of the 17th inst. respecting the surrender of Miohilimackinac to His Majesty's Arms, & the three attempts of Brigr. Genl. Hull to approach Fort Amherstburg, in all of which he was repulsed and his army com- pelled to return to their position at Sandwich, no movement of importance agaiiist Upper Canada has taken place. It is now evi- dent that Genl. Hull remains inactive from the want of the rein- forcements & supplies which he is daily expecting. Our forces at Amherstburg augmented by the Junction of several Indian Tribes <fe a small party of the 41st Kegt have on the contrary been enabled to detach a considerable body across the Detroit River into the United States, thereby transferring in some degree the scene of war from Upper Canada into the American Territory.
This mode of operating upon the enemy's line of communication & supply, has been attended with, considerable success.
A mail from Detroit was taken on the 5th inst tho' escorted by 200 picked Eiflemen, and in this afiPair, as well as in one which afterwards took place for the purpose of intercepting another mail & the supplies expected at Detroit, the enemy have suffered a severe loss and been obliged to retreat. We had three men killed, thir- teen wounded & two missing of the 41st Regt one killed and two wounded of the militia, and two killed six wounded of the Indians; Capt. Muir & Lieut. Sutherland of the 41st are amongst the wounded, the former slightly, the latter seriously.
Your Lordship will observe in Genl. Hull's intercepted Letter to the American Secretary at war, herewith transmitted, how much that officer's expectations of conquering Upper Canada are dimin- ished, & how strong his apprehensions are of being reduced to the necessity of returning to Detroit.
As Genl. Dearborn had not the power of including Genl. Hull's army in the arrangement made by him with Col. Baynes, which I had the honor of communicating to Your Lordship in my Dispatch of the 17th inst No 2, I have not thought it necessary to restrain Major General Brock from adopting any measures he might judge fit for repelling the Invasion of the Upper Province & for compelling General Hull to retire from it.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
345
I have therefore used every exertion to forward the supplies of men, money & Ordnance Stores requisite for the accomplishment of these objects.
Force in Upper Canada. ^ ^^^^ ^®8son to think General Brock reached
Eoyi.Arty.. 90 Amherstburg on the 12th Inst, carrying with him
iothE.v.Batt 180 a Keinforccment of 260 picked Militia men & 40
49th ^d^* 720 ^^^^ Regt. this accession to the Force at
Ri. Nfd Fencibies... 360 that post together with a body of several hundred 2,320 men under Capt. Chambers, consisting of 50 men of the 41st & Militia & Indians, approaching the Enemy's Flank, aided by the Indians expected from Lake Superior in consequence of an Express sent to them for that purpose by the Ottawa River, will I trust be amply sufficient to enable Genl. Brock to compel Genl. Hull to relinquish his plans of conquest upon the Province, & • to punish him for his presumptuous endeavours to alienate the minds of His Majesty's subjects.
Since the return of Coll. Baynes I have not received any further communication from the United States upon the subject of his mission, I am happy however to find that the advantages to result from the arrangement entered into by him with the Commander in Chief of the American Army, in the event of the Government of the United States persevering in their views of conquest in Upper Canada are becoming every day more apparent.
In the absence of Instructions from His Majesty's Government founded on their knowledge of an actual state of hostility with America, Your Lordship must be aware that I am necessarily obliged to confine myself to measures of defence, & to combine every movement with that object.
A suspension of hostilities therefore on a considerable portion of the extremely extensive line of Frontier which I have to defend has enabled me rapidly to strengthen the Flank attacked. The decided superiority I have obtained on the Lakes in consequence of the precautionary measures adopted during the last winter has permitted me to move without interruption, independantly of the arrangement, both Troops and supplies of every description towards Amherstburg, whilst those for Genl. Hull having several hundred miles of wilder- ness to pass before they can reach Detroit are exposed to be har- assed and destroyed by the Indians. Another consequence of the mission of Coll. Baynes and of the arrangement resulting from it, 44
346
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
has been a discovery of the inability [of] the Government of the- United States to over run the Oanadas & of their unprepared state for carrying on the war with vigour; this has become so manifest that His Majestys subjects in both Provinces are beginning to feel an increased confidence in the Government protecting them, and as the means & resources which have been displayed appear to have far exceeded their expectations, so has it effectually secured their best exertions for the defence of their country against any tumultuary force.
In the mean time from a partial suspension of hostilities I am enabled to improve and augment my resources against an Invasion^ whilst the Enemy distracted by Party broils & intrigues are obliged to remain supine and to witness the daily diminution of the Force they had so much diflSculty in collecting.
I cannot conclude this Dispatch without acquainting Your Lord- ship that the Army Bill expedient has answered the purpose for which it was intended beyond my most sanguine expectation, I have also the satisfaction of informng Your Lordship that after having overcome some insubordination and many prejudices I have succeeded in establishing four Battalions of select Militia at the expence of the Province amounting to two Thousand three hundred men for the service of Lower Canada.
From this view of the present posture of our affairs particularly as it respects the war with the United States, Your Lordship will be enabled to judge of the policy of the measures I have pursued, & which I hope will meet the approbation of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent as they may ultimately effect the object I have so much at heart, the security & welfare of the important Provinces committed to my charge.
I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
Most obedient
Humble Servant
George Prevost,
The Right Honble The Earl of Bathurst.
Endoraed: Montreal 24th Angt. 1812. Sir G. Prevost Bt. No. 4. One iLclosare.
[ Q 118, p 196 ] * * ,
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
347"
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 5.]
Montreal, 26th August 1812.
My Lord,
I feel the greatest satisfaction in transmitting to Your Lordship a Letter which I have this day received by Express from Major General Brock,* announcing to me the surrender of Fort Detroit, on the 16th Inst, by Brigadier General Hull with the army under his command exceeding 2,500 men, together with 25 pieces of Ordnance.
In my dispatches No 3 and 4 of the 17th and 24th Instant, I had the honor of detailing to Your Lordship the operations which had taken place in Upper Canada in consequence of the Invasion, of that Province by the army of the United States, Brigr. Genl. Hull having crossed the Detroit River on the r2th of last month with 2,300 men, consisting of Regulars, Cavalry & Infantry, and Militia, bringing with him several Field Pieces, and having driven in the Militia towards Amhertsburg first advanced to Sandwich and afterwards approached Amherstburg with a part of his Army to the River Canard, about five miles from the Fort, where he was foiled in three attempts to cross that River, and suffered a considerable loss.
The Garrison of Amherstburg consisted at that time of a Subaltern's Detachment of the Royal Artillery, commanded by Lieutenant Troughton, of a detachment of 300 men of the 41st Regt under the command of Captain Muir, and of about as many of the Mil- itia, the whole under the command of Lt. Col. St George, Inspect- ing Field Officer of Militia in the District.
The state of the Province at this Period from the weakness of the Regular Force in it, as well as from the disposition of many of its Inhabitants, was highly favorable to the views of the Amer-^ ioan Government in invading it.
The Militia men who had been previously embodied were with difficulty restrained from deserting to their homes, and those who had been called out to repel the Invaders, in many instances abso- lutely refused to march.
The Indians of the Six Nations at the same time, upon whose services the Government had the strongest claim from the support it constantly afforded them, in general drew back from the assist-
* For letter see page 334.
MS COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
«noe required of them, affecting to preserve a neutrality, more dan- gerous than even open hostility, as more productive of alarm to the country, and af¥ording the Inhabitants a plausible pretext for remaining in guard of their property.
Under these circumstances of extreme diflSculty and embarrassment General Brock found himself disappointed in the call which he had made upon the Provincial Legislature for relief, either by obtaining additional supplies to meet the increasing wants of the public ser- vice, or the necessary power for checking and punishing the insub- ordination of the militia, and the disaffected among the People.
Relying however upon the strong assurances I had given him of a reinforcement as prompt and as effectual as the circumstances under which I was placed by this new war would permit me to send, General Brock adopted the most vigorous measures for the safety of that part of the Frontier which had been attacked. In these measures he was most opportunely aided by the fortunate surrender of Fort Michilimackinac which giving spirit and confi- dence to the Indian Tribes in its^ neighbourhood, part of whom had assisted in its capture, determined them to advance upon the rear and flanks of the American Army as soon as they heard that it had entered the Province.
The certainty of the expected reinforcements & the weakness of ihe Enemy on the Niagara Frontier had in the mean time induced General Brock to detach from the Garrison of Fort George 50 men of the 41st Regt. under Capt. Chambers, into the interior of the country for the purpose of collecting such of the Indians and Militia as might be ready and willing to join him, and of after- wards advancing upon the left Flank of the Enemy: — 60 men of ihe same Regiment were also detached from that Garrison to Amherstburg, and 40 to Long point to collect the Militia in that Quarter. Having made these dispositions and having previously sent forward Colonel Procter of the 41st Regiment to Amherstburg where he arrived and assumed the command on the 26th of last month, General Brock proceeded himself from York on the 5th Instant for Fort George and Long Point on Lake Erie, which last place he left on the 8th following for Amherstburg with 40 Rank & File of the 41st Regt and 260 of the Militia Forces.
Whilst General Brock was thus hastening his preparations for the relief of Amherstburg, the prospects of the American army under General Hull were becoming every day more unfavorable and their
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
349*
situation more critical, the intelligence of the fall of Miohilimack-^ inac had reached them which they knew must expose them to an attack of the Indians on one quarter, at the same time that they were threatened on another by the Force approaching under Captn. Chambers, an Indian Tribe of the Wyandotts whom they had in vain attempted to bribe, aided by a Detachment of the 41st Eegt. from Amherstburg had succeeded in cutting off their supplies on the opposite side of the River, and in intercepting their Dispatches which described in very strong terms their apprehensions and despondency.
The losses they had sustained in their different actions upon the Canard Eiver, as well as those for protecting their supplies, together with the mode of warfare pursued by the Indians had greatly dis- couraged and dispirited them, and had convinced General Hull how hopeless an attempt would be to storm Fort Amherstburg, without great Reinforcements and a battering Train. It was under these circumstances at this critical period, and when the enemy were beginning to consult their security by intrenching themselves, that General Brock entered Amherstburg with a reinforcement which he was fortunately enabled to do, on the 12th Instant, without the smallest molestation, in consequence of our decided naval superiority on the Lakes.
To his active and intelligent mind the advantages which the Enemy's situation afforded him over them, even with his very inferior force, became immediately apparent, and that he has not failed most effectually to avail himself of those favorable circumstances, Your Lordship will I trust be satisfied from the letter which I have the honor of transmitting.
Having thus brought to Your Lordship's view the different cir- cumstances which have led to the successful termination of the Campaign on the Western Frontier of Upper Canada, I cannot with hold from Major General Brock the tribute of applause so justly due to him for his distinguished conduct on this occasion, or omit to recommend him through Your Lordship to the favorable consid- eration of His Royal Highness The Prince Regent, for the great ability and judgement with which he has planned and the prompti- tude, energy and fortitude with which he has effected the preserva- tion of Upper Canada, with a force not apparently adequate to its defence, and with the sacrifice of so little British Blood in accom-^ plishing so important a service.
360
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
My Aid de Camp Captain Ooore will have the honor of delivering to Your Lordship this Dispatch, and as he is well qualified to give Your Lordship information respecting the military resources of this command, and also of the state of parties and politics in the United States Captain Coore having recently been employed by me on a mission to Washington, I shall beg leave to refer Your Lordship to him for further particulars.
I have the honor to be Sir
Your Lordship's
most obedient
humble Servant
George Prevost.
The Right Honble Earl Bathurst, &c., &c., &c.
JJndorsed: Montreal, 26th Angt. 1812. Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 5. R. Octr. 8th. One Inclosare.
[ Q 118, p 210 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 6.] Montreal, 31st August 1812.
My Lord,
The accompanying letter from the Commander in Chief of the forces of the United States will expose to Your Lordship's view the dis- position manifested by the President of the United States on the provisional measure, temporarily agreed upon between General Dear- born and myself, in consequence of an earnest desire on my part, not to widen the breach existing between the two countries, the revocation of the Orders in Council having removed the plea used in Congress for a Declaration of War against Great Britain.
The conduct of the American Government in directing the inva- sion of Upper Canada by Brigadier General Hull's army and the unsuccessful attempts made by that officer to possess himself of the Fort at Amherstburg, will I hope fully justify Major General Brock's ulterior offensive measures against an assailing army. .
I regret much the necessity of sending away Captain Coore before the particulars of the affair at Detroit have reached me but
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
351
Your Lordship may depend upon their being forwarded by the first opportunity that oSPers after they arrive.
I have the honor to be
My Lord Your Lordships
Most obedient humble Servant
George Prevost.
The Eight Honble Earl Bathurst &ca &ca &ca.
Endorsed:— Montreal, 31st Angast 1812. Liieat. General Sir Geo. Prevost. No. 6. Reed Octr. 6th. One Inclosure.
[ Q 118, p 222 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 7.] Head Quarters Montreal, 1st September 1812.
My Lord,
Since I had the honor of transmitting to Your Lordship my letters No 5 and 6, in charge of my aid-de-camp, Captain Coore, I have received from Major General Brock a dispatch * of which the enclosed is a copy containing the particulars of Brig. Genl. Hull's Invasion of Upper Canada, which has terminated most glori- ously to His Majesty's arms, in that oflScer's defeat and surrender as a Prisoner of war, with the whole of the North Western Army, together with the Fort of Detroitj and three and thirty pieces of Ordnance.
I forward this Dispatch Express, in the expectation of its reach- ing Captain Coore, previously to his leaving Canada, which with ihe colours of the 4th United States Regiment accompanying it, I trust that officer will have the honor of delivering to Your Lordship. I have the honor to be
My Lord Your Lordships ^ Most obedient humble Servant
George Prevost.
The Right Honble Earl Bathurst &c. &c. &g.
Endorsed: Montreal, Ist Sept. 1812. Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 7. R. Oct. 6th. (Foor Inclosures.)
[ Q 118, p 227 ]
* For enclosure see page 334.
352
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 8.] Montreal, 12th Sept. 1812.
My Lord,
I have been honored with Your Lordship's dispatch No 2 of the 4th of July. The Dispatches I have had the honor of addressing to Your Lordship & to Lord Liverpool since the Declaration of war by the Congress of the United States against Great Britain, will have afforded suflScient evidence to His Majesty's Government, that I could not consistent with my duty to my King and Country suspend the preparations for defence which I had been induced to make, in consequence of the precarious state of the relations between Great Britain and America.
The convincing proof which His Royal Highness the Prince Regent has given of his desire to conciliate the Government & People of the United States by his Declaration of the 23d of June, is not deemed suflScient by the President for the restoration of tran- quility to these Provinces; and Your Lordship will hear with surprize that every exertion is making by that government for the subjugation of the Canadas, that they may if successful, be enabled in proud & haughty terms to commence their negociafcions for a peace.
Notwithstanding the compleat & disgraceful failure of the enemy in their attack upon the Western Frontiers of Upper Canada, which I have already had the honor of detailing to Your Lordship in my former Dispatches, I learn by a Dispatch from M. Genl. Brock dated at Fort George the 7th inst that they were assembling in great strength in front of our positions on the Niagara Frontier, & that he has every reason to believe from the great reinforcements they had recently received in Troops, Artillery & Stores, that they meditate an immediate invasion of the Province in that Quarter. Although I have been induced to withdraw from Lower Canada a considerable body of Troops for the purpose of enabling Genl. Brock to meet the threatened attacks in the Upper Province, he still urges most strongly for fresh reinforcements, to oppose to the great force which the Enemy are preparing to bring against him; but as the preparations & movements they are making towards the borders of this Province in the neighbourhood of Montreal, are strongly indicative of their intention & desire to penetrate in that direction. I have not been able in the present weak state of the regular Force in this Province to spare one man from its defence the necessity therefore of strengthening me by a further reinforce-
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
353
ment of Troops to be employed both in Upper & Lower Canada must be obvious to Your Lordship, nor will it I trust be disre- garded, if the greater interests of the Country will admit of it. The disposition of the people in both Provinces I am disposed to believe is good and provided they can be supported, I think they may be depended upon, but I fear not much reliance can be placed upon them in the hour of adversity.
I am sorry to say the Stores & Accoutrements are not yet arrived, & that the want of Cloathing for the Glengarry Fencibles is a very serious inconvenience to His Majesty's Service. I now humbly hope the precautionary measures I have considered it my indis- pensable duty to pursue, and which have hitherto enabled me to check the designs of the Government of the United States; will be favourably represented by Your Lordship to His Royal High- nesse's gracious approbation.
I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's most obedient humble Servant
George Prevost.
The Rt. Hon. Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: Montreal, 12th Sept. 1812. Sir Geo. Prevost. No. 8. R. 28th Octr.
[ Q 118, p 247 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 9.] ^ Head Quarters Montreal, 22d Sept. 1812.
My Lord,
In my dispatch No 7 dated the 1st inst. I had the honor of transmitting to Your Lordship copies of letters from Major General Brook detailing the surrender of Fort Detroit, with copies of the capitulation, Return of Stores &c. &c.
I have now the honor of reporting to Your Lordship that Brigr. Genl. Hull together with the first Division of Prisoners consisting of 22 oflBcers & 343 men, part of the regular army which surren- dered at Detroit, arrived at this place on the 6th Inst, the remain- der amounting to about 140 men & their proportion of officers are still in Upper Canada, & will be forwarded hither as soon as the means can be procured of sending them, the men & the greater part of the officers which have arrived have been sent to Quebec. 45
354
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Brig. Genl. Hull being desirous of returning to the United States on his parole, for the purpose of justifying his own conduct, & of exposing the imbecility of that of his government, in totally neg- lecting to support directly or indirectly his offensive operations, either by reinforcing his army, or by making demonstrations of attack upon other points on the frontier line simultaneously with the one he was commanded to make on Amherstburg, I have there- fore allowed him to proceed to Boston, for which place he set off on the 10th inst with his Aid-de-Oamp. I feel confident his pres- ence in the United States will have the effect of adding strength to the party there in opposition to the War, & that it will also tend to embarrass the American Government; the situation of sev- eral of the officers, particularly those with Families, has induced me to extend to them the like indulgence; as in these instances I have conceived myself acting agreeably to the views & conciliatory disposition of His Majesty's Government, I trust His Royal High- ness the Prince Regent will be graciously pleased to approve of what I have done, & that the Liberality thus manifested of his part will be attended with the best effects.
I am happy to be able to assure Your Lordship that the spirit & zeal which are now evinced by all classes of persons in the Province, but more particularly by the Militia, to resist the attacks with which they are threatened, afford me strong hopes that the Enemy will meet with disappointment should they think fit to invade the Country the volunteering of a considerable portion of the English Militia of this populous Town for permanent duty, enables me to withdraw from hence the Regulars, as circumstances may require, & materially aids the public service.
have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordships
The Rt. Honble Earl Bathurst.
Endorsed: Montreal, 22d Sept. 1812. Sir Geo. Prevost, Bart. E. 3 Novr. No. 9.
most obedient
Humble Servant
George Prevost.
[ Q 118, p 251 ]
ANTHONY ST. JOHN BAKER TO VISCOUNT CESTLEREAGH. 366
GEOEGE HARRISON TO MESSRS. ATCHESON AND MORGAN RESPECTING THB MICHILIMACKINAC COMPANY.
[No. III.] Gentlemen,
The Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury having had under their consideration a memorial from the Miohilimaokinao Company, in Canada, praying compensation for losses sustained by the seizure of sundry Batteaux by the Americans in the year J 808, I am commanded by their Lordships to acquaint you, that no arrange- ment having been made by Mr. Erskine, in 1809, with the Amer- ican Government, respecting compensation for the losses sustained by the said company at that period, and upon the occasion referred to, My Lords cannot entertain the further consideration of that question, until the relations of amity are re-established between Great Britain and the United States.
I am Gentlemen
Your most obedient Servant
Geo. Harrison.
Treasury Chambers, 25th Sept. 1812. Messrs. Atcheson and Morgan.
[ Q 130-2, p 260 ]
ANTHONY ST. JOHN BAKER TO THE VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGH.
Philadelphia, 27th Sept. 1812.
My Lord,
I have the honor to transmit enclosed printed copies of Genl Hull's Letters of the 7th and 13th Ulto. to the Secretary of war giving an account of the operations of the two detachments sent to open the communication with Captain Brush at the River Eaisin, & which had not been made public here at the date of my Dis- patch No 30.
Since the capture of Detroit the Indians have committed some ravages on the Western Frontier, where considerable alarm prevails in consequence. Acots. from Pittsburg state that the garrison of Chicago, a Fort at the South Western extremity of Lake Michigan, having received orders in consequence of their exposed situation to evacuate that place & proceed to Fort Wayne, were soon after they had set out on their Journey surrounded and massacred by the Indians, to the number altogether of 100, including some friendly
356
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Indians who accompanied them, great apprehensions are entertained for the safety of the Forts on the borders of Ohio, but it does not appear that any British Force had been sent against them.
A considerable body of Troops (some accts. say they will shortly amount to 5,000) chiefly volunteers and Militia from the Western States, is assembling at Urbana, a Town in Ohio not far from the Great Miamis River, under the command of Brigadier General Har- rison, who has been lately appointed to that rank, in the army of the United States, & who is the same person who was surprized by the Indians in the beginning of the year at Tippecanoe. He is stated to have left Piqua for Fort Wayne which is surrounded by the Indians on the 7th Inst with about 2,000 volunteers and 400 Regulars. The distance between these two places is nearly 100 miles.
Major General Van Renneselaer of the New York Militia ha& established his Head Quarters at Lewiston on the Banks of the St Lawrence. The number of Troops under his Command stationed at different Points to defend the frontier does not exceed Two or Three thousand men. The Fort of Niagara is stated to be in a most defenceless condition.
Brig. Genl. Bloomfield of the U. S. Army was at Plattsburg, a town situated on the West side of Lake Champlain, 45 miles distant from Fort St John, on the 9th Inst with a Force of about 2000 men, comprising two Regts. of Regulars which was daily being augmented. 5 Sloops have been purchased for the use of the U. States to be added to 2 Gun Boats in order to form a flotilla capable of commanding Lake Champlain, 160 Batteaux are con- structing for the purpose of conveying Troops and provisions on the Lake.
The American Head Quarters were by the latest accounts still at Albany, although the Troops were moving from that place to Plattsburgh.
The whole of the United States Naval force at present in Port., I have the honor to be
&c. &c.
Anthony St. Jno. Baker. The Right Honble Viscount Castlereagh &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: Copy of a Dispatch from Mr, Baker to Viscount Castlereagh dated 27th Sept. 1812. 1 Inclosare.
[ Q 120, p 150 ]
EARL BATHURST TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
357
EAKL BATHURST TO SIE GEORGE PREVOST.
Downing Street, Ist October 1812.
[No. 10.]
Lieutenant General Sir George Prevost Bart. &c. &c. &c. Sir,
I have had the honour of laying before the Prince Regent No. 59. 30 July 1812 Your Dispatchcs of the dates and numbers speci- 3. i7Augt fied in the margin, detailing the operations to which the 2* " Declaration of War against this Country on the part of the United States, and the subsequent Invasion of Upper Canada by an American Army, had given rise, and the measures to which M. Genl. Brock had resorted for the protection of that Province.
The judicious endeavours of that officer to awaken the Legislature of the Province to a sense of their duty & their Interest, the promptitude with which he dissolved that Assembly upon finding it so criminally indifferent to the fate of Upper Canada as not to invest him with the authority necessary for its preservation, & his Deter- mination, under such circumstances, to proclaim & enforce Martial Law, are proofs at once of his Judgement & decision, which have not escaped the observation of His Royal Highness, and I have it in command to desire that you will convey to M. Genl. Brock His Royal Highnesse's entire approbation, as well of the measures to which I have more particularly referred, as of the general zeal and ability, which he has uniformly displayed since the commence- ment of the War, in a situation, which, from peculiar circumstances, had become one of considerable embarrassment, although His Royal Highness deeply regrets that any of His Majesty's Subjects should have been capable of being influenced by the delusive promises held out in the Proclamation of an invading enemy, yet it is no inconsiderable satisfaction to His Royal Highness to observe that this unworthy feeling is confined to a part of Upper Canada alone.
It is impossible not to be aware of the Restraint which such a Disposition must necessarily impose upon Genl. Brock's Military operations: But His Royal Highness trusts that the decisive meas- ures which Genl Brock has taken, will curb the efforts of the dis- affected & that the success of H. M's Arms in the capture of Michilimackinac, the determined Defence of Amherstburg, & above, the successful Result of those exertions which you state yourself & Genl. Brock to be making for the relief of that Fort, will counter-
358
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
act any effect which the unrestricted advance of Genl Hull may have, at first, had upon the timid and disaffected.
Endorsed: Draft
Lieutenant General Sir Geo. Prevost Bt. &c. &c. &c. October 1812. No. 10.
[ Q 118, p 207 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
Head Quarters Montreal, 5th October 1812.
[ Duplicate No. 11.] My Lord,
I beg leave to call Your Lordship's attention to a subject of considerable importance as connected with the safety of Upper Canada in our future contests with the United States of America.
In the correspondence which has passed between Major Genl. Brock and myself since the Invasion of that Province he has repeatedly represented to me in the strongest terms the great assist- ance he has derived from the services of the different Indian Tribes settled in and near the Michigan territory and of the necessity of conciliating their future friendship as a barrier against any further attacks of the Enemy in that Quarter.
• There is certainly great reason to believe from the present ani- mosity that appears to subsist amongst the various Tribes of Indians inhabiting the country lying between the Ohio and the Mississippi against the Americans that the Government of the United States have not been actuated by that spirit of justice and liberality towards them which it was their obvious policy to manifest; The Indians complain and apparently not without reason of continual encroachments upon their territory which by forcing them further into the Western Country diminish their means of subsistence and by separating them from each other, make it more difficult for them to unite in their common defence.
Without entering into the merits of these complaints on the part of the Indians or the justice or policy of the American Government towards them it must be obvious to Your Lordship from an inspec- tion of the map of the Country bordering upon the Western Ter- ritories of the United States how extremely important it is to the future security of Upper Canada that the Indians should retain
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
359
possession of the lands they now occupy and thereby form as long as we remain in friendship with them a formidable barrier to any future attempts of America against His Majesty's possessions in that neighborhood.
The number of Indian Warriors spread over the Michigan and adjoining territories cannot amount to less than from eight to ten thousand; Your Lordship will therefore immediately perceive the obstacles which a force of that amount and description would pre- sent to an Army attempting to invade Upper Canada through Mich- igan the only route they can take (whilst we retain the command of the Lakes) to penetrate into its Western Frontier and the incal- culable advantages that Army would possess over us were those Indians to become our Enemies.
The conduct which has invariably been pursued towards them and the treatment they have met with from America have during the present contest made them our friends and allies and it remains for the consideration of His Majesty's Government how far it will be politic and prudent to keep them as such by those stipulations in their behalf in our future negociations with America which shall convince them that we have not been insensible of their services or unmindful to consult their interests.
There is reason to believe in consequence of the late transactions in the Upper Province as well as of the predisposed state of the minds of the Indians for such an event that a general war on their part has been kindled along the whole extent of the Western fron- tier of the United States, which will greatly embarrass the Amer- ican Government until a Peace shall take place between the United States and Great Britain ; In that event we might engage to make use of our influence to quiet and restrain the Indians provided the government of America will agree to such a boundary between the two territories as shall be thought reasonable and will at the same time engage sacredly to respect it.
In throwing out these suggestions for Your Lordship's considera- tion, I may probably have been anticipated by General Brock's Dis- patches to you upon the same subject; he appears to be deeply impressed with a sense of his obligations to the Indians for the services they have rendered him in the defence of Upper Canada, and of the necessity of conciliating their future friendship by the ' means I have already pointed out. I shall therefore not intrude further upon Your Lordship's time except to assure you that in
360
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
my InstructioDS to General Brock for repelling the attack upon Upper Canada I have invariably directed him cautiously to abstain from availing himself of the services of the Indians for any other purpose but that of the defence of the Province — to restrain and control their excesses by every means in his power and to discourage whatever measures they might have in contemplation which might create irritation in the United States against us as the supposed authors of them ; Under these circumstances which cannot but be known to the Government of the United States I trust there will be the less difficulty in making these arrangements in behalf of the Indians whenever our former relations of amity with America shall be restored which will secure them to us as our allies in case their services should become necessary for the future defence of the Canadas.
I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
Most obedient
humble Servant
George Peevost.
The Eight Honorable Earl Bathurst.
P. S. With the letter copy of which is inclosed a copy of the Dispatch has been transmitted to Sir John Warren at Halifax as I am informed by the public prints he has been appointed by His Majesty's Government to negociate a peace with America.
Endorsed: Montreal, Octr. 5th 1812.
Lt. Gen. Sir Geo. Prevost Bart. E. 28 Nov. by Capt. Fulton. No. 11 Dap. Grig. Not R. One Inclosare. Copy to Mr. Hamilton 27 Novr.
[ Q 118, p 265 ]
\
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO JOHN B. WARREN.
Montreal, 5th October 1812.
Sir,
I have the honor to transmit to you copy of a Dispatch I lately addressed to Earl Bathurst respecting the Indians on the Western frontier of the United States, together with an Extract of a letter I have received from Major General Brock upon the same subject.
EARL BATHCJRST TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
361
As the Instructions under which you have proceeded upon your present mission have probably been furnished to you by His Majesty's Ministers previous to their receipt of any information of the invasion of Upper Canada or of the share the Indians have had in repelling it I trust the importance of consulting their inter- ests in the negociations you may enter into with the American Gov- ernment will be suflBciently obvious to you from what is inclosed to lead you to require such stipulations on their behalf as you may conceive his Majesty's Government would have intrusted you to demand had they been possessed at the time of your leaving England of the information now transmitted to you. I have the honor to be Sir
Your most obedient
humble Servant
George Prevost.
His Excellency The Right Honorable Sir John Barlase Warren <fec. &c. &c.
Endorsed :
Inclosure in Lt. Genl. Sir Geo. Prevost's of No. 11 Dap.
[ Q 118, p 271 ]
EARL BATHURST TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
Downing Street, lOth October 1812.
[No. 12.]
To Lieut. Genl. Sir George Prevost, Bart, <feca <feca &ca. Sir,
I have had the honor of receiving your Dispatch, dated the 26th August, together with its Inclosures from M. Genl. Brock, & I lost no time in laying intelligence so important and satisfactory^ before his Eoyal Highness, The Prince Kegent.
I am commanded by His Royal Highness to desire you to take the earliest opportunity of conveying His Royal Highnesse's appro- bation of the able, Judicious, and decisive conduct of M. Genl. Brock, of the zeal and spirit manifested by Colonel Procter, & the other officers, as well as of the Intrepidity of the Troops under
the command of M. Genl. Brock. 46
362
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
By the United exertions of this little army, the enterprize of the American army has been defeated, the Territories of His Majesty in Upper Canada have been secured, and on the Enemy's Fort of Detroit, important to that security, the British Standard has been happily placed.
You will inform M. Genl. Brook that His Eoyal Highness, tak- ing into consideration all the difficultes by which M. Genl. Brook was surrounded from the time of the Invasion of the Province by the American army under the command of General Hull, and the singular judgement, firmness, skill and courage with which he was enabled to surmount them so effectually, has been pleased to appoint him an extra Knight of The most Honble Order of the Bath.
His Royal Highness has observed with great satisfaction that the co-operation of the Indian Nations led on by Coll. Elliott & Capt McKee has been marked by steadiness and order, & that they treated their Prisoners with Humanity, such conduct is highly creditable to the oflBcers who commanded them & to the system which has been adopted under your direction.
I am further commanded by His Royal Highness to say that in giving every credit to Major General Brock & ihe army under his command, he is fully sensible how much your exertions and arrangements have contributed to the fortunate conclusion of the Campaign in Upper Canada.
Endorsed: Draft
Lieut General Sir Geo. Prevoet, Bart, Aca. &ca, &ca. October 1812. No. 12.
[ Q 118, p 219 ]
NORTH WESTERN ARMY.
The following copy of the report of Genl. Tupper to Genl. Har- rison, the Commander in Chief, as to the causes of the failure of the expedition of mounted men under his command, we trust will be interesting to the Public.
Urbana Oct. 12, 1812.
Sir,
On receiving your order of the 4th iust to proceed to the Rapids with the whole force of mounted men under my command, whose horses were in a condition to perform the service, I caused exam- ination to be immediately had, and found that there still remained
NORTHWESTERN ARMY.
363
960 men, iooludiDg officers, in a condition to march, including also Capt Bacon; and one other company, which left us the morning following.
The Beeves expected at General Winchester's Camp, did not arrive so as to enable us to draw till the morning of the 5th a great number of the men were destitute of provisions the day you left Defiance. There being no Flour to be issued to the mounted men, I ordered eight days Rations of beef to be drawn and imme- diately jerked, so as to lighten and prepare it for the Expedition, intending to move off on the evening of the 5th. On examining our Ammunition it had been found, that during those excessive rains which fell, while you were marching us from St Mary's to Defiance, it had become so damaged as to be entirely useless; not two rounds of sound cartridge were left to a man.
I ordered returns made, so that each man should be furnished with 12 rounds. This return amounted to 4,500 Cartridges for the musket men; exclusive of Major Roper's Battalion; the ammunition of the Riflemen having received very little damage. Quarter Master Bassey called on the Quarter Master in Gen. Winchester's Camp, and returned without a supply. About one o'clock this day a man belonging to Captain Manary's Company of Rangers, was killed and scalped across the River Miami, within 200 yards of our camp. I gave immediate orders to arms, and in five minutes to horse, but owing to our being compelled to confine our horses during the night and graze them by day, for want of forage; the greater part at this moment were under keepers nearly one mile from our camp up the Anglaise. Conceiving from the bold manner in which the Indians had approached our camp, that it was possible a consider- able body were not distant, I wished to form the men and proceed over the river, by which we should be in a situation to contend with a considerable force, or pursue to effect a small one. In the mean time I permitted Maj Brush to cross over with about 50 foot, to examine the bank and see in what direction the Indians had retired; but before he reached the opposite shore every horse- man whose horse was in camp was mounted to follow over. It was in vain that I made an attempt to keep them back till they were formed — they broke off in numbers from 20 to 30 mostly without their officers^ and crossed the woods in every direction; a party of 15 fell on the trail of the Indians, and at 7 or 8 miles distance overtook them, but as the Indians were superior to them and formed, our men without waiting for a discharge from the Enemy, returned to Camp.
364
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
LogaD and the other Indians in our Camp, were of the opinion that there was a considerable force of the Enemy lying no great distance below us, and offered to spy down. Early on the follow- ing morning, they left our Camp with instructions to proceed 4 miles below the little Kapids, a distance of 14 miles. They returned at evening, having found no trail of any size excepting the party who had been pursued the evening before, and those they computed at about 40; that they had proceeded on towards the waters of Lake Michigan, and not on a direction to the Eapids — that the British and Indians which had fled before Genl. Winchester, had retreated with apparent precipitancy, driving their carriages over large logs and tearing down every sapling that stood in their way.
Scarcely had this Scout left our Camp when I received the fol- lowing order from Genl Winchester.
[ Q 120, p 231 ]
Camp near Defiance, October 6 1812.
Sir,
Believing it to be essential, that the Indians who committed the murder near your camp, should be pursued and routed, or their strength and situation ascertained, and as that duty can be best, and most expeditiously done with mounted men, you will this morn- ing pursue their trail with a part of the whole of your force and dislodge, kill, & destroy them if in your power. This duty per- formed you can take the course directed by Genl. Harrison.
The attitude of the Enemy requires this change in your destina- tion, and as commanding officer of the left wing of the North West- ern army, I have deemed it my duty to make it; if you do not return to report, you will send an officer fur that purpose.
J. Winchester, ^ Brig. Genl. Com. left wing N. W. Army.
Gen. Tupper.
I waited on Gen Winchester immediately on the receipt of the foregoing order, informing him of my having previously sent out a scout, and the object of it; that the Indians had the evening before been overtaken seven or eight miles from our camp, and their numbers computed at from 20 to 40; that in all probability, they had then advanced too far to be overtaken without a long purstiit, that our horses were feeble and that I wished to preserve as much
NORTHWESTERN ARMY.
365
of their strength as possible for the general object of the expedi- tion and, that if it was agreeable to him, we would wait the arrival of the scout, to take such measures as were deemed proper on their return. Gen. Winchester made no objection to this arrange- ment: At the same time I informed him that we had not three rounds of ammunition to a man, and requested of him to order me a supply. He replied that he would order his ammunition examined, and would endeavour to furnish me a part of what was required to complete the 12 rounds. — ^ My Brigade Quarter Master attended this day, and returned at evening with the information that no ammunition could be had.
Early the following morning I ordered the horses saddled for a march, and repaired to Gen. Winchester's quarters and requested a supply of two thousand cartridges, being about one third of the quantity required ; without which I could not feel myself justifiable in proceeding on the expedition. In answer he stated to me, that he had but six thousand cartridges not issued, that his men had very few in their Boxes, that he had a good supply of powder and balls, but no paper, the latter was in waggons expected to arrive that, on the next day following, and then directed me to return to my camp and make a report of the actual quantity on hand, and that he would then inform me whether he would deliver the two thousand Cartridges.
I hastened back to my Camp, and gave the necessary orders for furnishing the returns; but in a few minutes after, received from Gen. Winchester the following order.
" Gen. Tupper — Longer delay consistent with strict military prin- ciples cannot be indulged, you will therefore proceed immediately on the reconnoitering duty ordered yesterday with the Troops under your command, except Col. Simerall's corps, who shall return with- out delay to the Settlements to recruit their horses, agreeably to Gen. Harrison's orders.
J. Winchester, Brigadier General.
[ Q 120, p 235 ]
When Col. Simerall's Regiment moved off, a large proportion of two Companies of Major Roper's battalion from Kentucky followed, which reduced that Battalion (being the whole force now remaining from Kentucky) to less than 800 men. I was indebted to Col. Simerall, for all the cartridges he had, excepting two rounds; but
366
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
as the most of them had been damaged and dried, they did not add one sound round to each man. I was on the point of taking up the line of march to execute General Winchester's orders, when Colonel Allen commanding a regiment of Kentucky troops in Gen. Winchester's Camp came up and informed me he had obtained leave to accompany me to the Rapids, in any station I thought proper to place him, from a Soldier upwards. I thankfully accepted his ser- vices and caused him to be announced as an aide — Colonel Allen proposed, that as it was General Winchester's wish the troops should move on the direct route to the Eapids, that none should be taken, but such as would go freely, the experiment was made, when about 400 volunteered for the service, scarcely had those Troops moved forward from the ranks when Colonel Allen beckoned me aside, and showed me an order which General Winchester had that moment forwarded to him, giving Colonel Allen the command of the men ordered to the Eapids. I requested of Col. Allen a copy of this order, which he declined giving; it would be difficult. Sir, for me to describe the state of my feelings at this moment. I turned to the troops which had refused to volunteer, and ordered them across the Anglaize on the route you directed me to take, as the best calculated to carry your orders into effect. When it was found that General Winchester had suspended me in the command, the whole force from Ohio broke off, crossed the Anglaize, and refused to march as directed by General Winchester.
Colonel Allen and Major Brush returned to General W^inch ester who assured them he had mistook the object of Colonel Allen's request: Gen Winchester then proposed to divide the force, a party to proceed to the direct route from Defiance to the Rapids, the other by Tawa Towns, to unite at a certain time, 12 miles above the Rapids. I was unwilling to consent to this measure; the force united was not half the number you thought necessary to order on the most secret route to effect the object of the expedition ; a division of less than 500 men to meet in an Enemy's Country, where many circumstances might prevent their junction, was to me a measure I could only assent to by compulsion the measure was in the end abandoned.
It is a duty I owe Colonel Allen to say that I have not the smallest reason to believe he was privy to the orders of General Winchester, giving to him the command. His character, and every part of his conduct on that occasion, convince me he is above it.
NORTHWESTERN ARMY.
367
The whole force now proceeded to Tawa Towns where we reached the day following — early on the morning of the 9th I ord^ed the march for the Eapids when at a distance of half a mile it was found our whole force was rediiced to 200 men exclusive of oiOficers; the other part of the force had refused to march, and remained in the encampment. Scarcely a man marched from the 2nd Battalion of Colonel Finlay's Regiment, commanded by Major Taylor. Man- ary's company of United States Ranger's, both officers and soldiers refused to march — When it was found that our force was thus reduced, I called a Council of the officers to determine whether it was our duty to proceed to the Rapids, the Council considered that our force was not sufficient to carry the first object of your orders into effect; that we were too numerous to act as a spy party, and too weak to carry offensive operations into the Enemy's Country, that it would • be improper and unadvisable under those circumstances to continue the expedition.
With the then remaining force, I proceeded to this place where I directed Col. Finley and Maj. Roper to discharge such men only as had continued to their duty.
Thus, Sir, has terminated an Expedition at one time capable of tearing the British flag from the walls at Detroit, wherein our Troops might have returned with the pleasing reflection of having rendered their Country an essential service.
It is a duty Sir, I owe to the officers of the Kentucky forces, to Col. Finley and the officers of the first Battalion, to say that they were zealous in pressing forward the expedition, while the officers of the second Battalion commanded by Major Taylor, with a few exceptions, were shrinking from their duty, and shamefully deserting the cause of their Country. "
The detaching of Col. Simeral's regiment from our force stands prominent among the causes of our failure; already was there a panic in some parts of our camp; the enemy that had retired at Oeneral Winchester's approach had been greatly magnified. The day succeeding the alarm General Winchester drew in one wing of his lines, and strengthened the Camp with a breast work — even this circumstance was noticed and urged as an evidence that he apprehended a force superior to his own, thus when imaginary objects unite with those that are real, to oppose the movement of a force so subordinate, as that every man's will is his law, little oai3 be expected by the officers but a plentiful harvest of mortifi- cation and, disgrace.
368
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
It cannot be denied that at the time those men refused to march, there was a scarcity uf provision in the camp — not three days rations of meat to each officer and soldier remained; and no bread or flour. But we had found at those Towns an abundant supply of good sound corn, together with nearly 30 bushels cured when green, or Tussamanona. Our sufferings with this supply could not have been great in going and returning from the Rapids.
The man whose courage and patriotism expires, when his rations are reduced ought never to place himself between his country and its Enemies.
When you shall have examined and considered the whole causes of our failure, should doubts rest on your mind, whether some part of it does not attach to my conduct, may I not hope Sir, that you will order a Court of Enquiry, that I may have an opportunity of meeting an investigation.
I have the honour to be
very respectfully Your
most obedient
humble Servant
Edward N. Tupper,
Brigadier general.
Gen. Wm. H. Harrison Com in Chief N. W. Army.
Endorsed :— General Orders of Sir George Prevost Oct. 31, 1812.
Brigadier General Tapper's report to B. Genl Harrison Urbana Oct. 12, 1812. This enclosure to be returned to the foreign ofiBce. D. & E. in Mr. Bakers No. 41. Mr. Hamilton 30th Deer. 1812.
[ Q 120, p 238 ]
MAJ. GEN. R. H. SHEAFFE TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
Fort George, 13th October 1812.
Sir,
I have the honour of informing Your Excellency that the Enemy made an attack with a considerable force this morning before day- light on the position of Queenstown; On receiving intelligence of it Major General Brock immediately proceeded to that Post and I am excessively grieved in having to add that he fell whilst gallantly cheering his troops to an exertion for maintaining it; with him the position was lost, but the Enemy was not allowed to retain it long; Reinforcements having been sent up from this Post composed of
GENERAL SHEAFFE TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST. 36^
regular troops, militia and iDdians, a movement was made to turn his left while some artillery under the direction of Captain Holoroft supported by a body of Infantry engaged his attention in front, this operation was aided, too, by the judicious position which Nor- ton and the Indians with him had taken on the woody brow of the high ground above Queenstown ; a Communication being thus opened with Chipawa a junction was formed with succours that had been ordered from that Post.
The Enemy was then attacked and after a short but spirited conflict was completely defeated;
I had the satisfaction of receiving the sword of their Commander Brigadier General Wadsworth on the field of Battle, and many officers with upwards of nine hundred men were made Prisoners, and more may yet be expected; a stand of Colours and a six pounder were also taken; — The Action did not terminate until nearly three o'clock in the afternoon and their loss in killed and wounded must have been considerable; Our's I believe to have been com- paratively small in numbers; No officer was killed besides Major General Brock, one of the most gallant and zealous officers in His Majesty's service whose loss cannot be too much deplored, and Lieutenant Colonel McDonell Provincial aid-de-camp whose gallantry and merit rendered him worthy of his chief.
Captains Dennis and Williams commanding the Flank Conipanies of the 49th Kegiment which were stationed at Queenstown were wounded, bravely contending at the head of their men against superior numbers but I am glad to have it in my power to add that Captain Dennis fortunately was able to keep the field though with pain and difficulty and Captain Williams's wound is not likely to deprive me long of his services.
I am particularly indebted to Captain Holcroft of the Koyal Artil- lery for his judicious and skillful co-operation with the Guns and Howitzer under his immediate superintendance the well directed fire from which contributed materially to the fortunate result of the day.
Captain Derenzy of the 41st Kegiment brought up the reinforce- ment of that corps from Fort George and Captain Bullock led that of the same Regiment from Chipawa and under their command those detachments acquitted themselves in such a manner as to sustain the reputation which the 41st Regiment had already acquired in the vicinity of Detroit. 47
370
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Major General Brook soon after his arrival at Queenstown had sent down orders for battering the American Fort Niagara, Brigadier Major Evans who was left in charge of Fort George directed the operations against it with so much effect as to silence its fire and to force the Troops to abandon it and by his prudent precautions he prevented mischief of a most serious nature which otherwise might have been effected the Enemy having used heated Shot in firing at Fort George; In these services he was most effectually aided by Colonel Claus (who remained in the Fort at my desire) and by Captain Vigoreux of the Royal Engineers, Brigade Major Evans also mentions the conduct of Captains Powell and Cameron of the Militia Artillery in terms of commendation.
Lieutenant Crowther of the 41st Regiment had charge of two three pounders that accompanied the movement of our little corps and they were employed with very good effect.
Captain Glegg of the 49th Regiment Aid-de-Camp to our lamented friend and General afforded me most essential assistance and I found the service of Lieutenant Fowler of the 41st Regiment Assist- ant Deputy Quarter Master General very useful;
I derived much aid too from the activity and intelligence of Lieutenant Kerr of the Glengary Fencibles whom I employed in communications with the Indians and other [flanking parties.
I was unfortunately deprived of the aid of the experience and ability of Lieut Colonel Myers Depy Quarter Master General who had been sent up to Fort Erie a few days past on duty which detained him there.
Lieutenant Colonels Butler and Clark of the Militia and Captains Hatt, Durand, Rowe, Applegarth, James Crooks, Cooper, Robert Hamilton, McEwen and Duncan Cameron and Lieutenants Richardson and Thomas Butler commanding flank companies of the Lincoln and York Militia led their men into action with great spirit, Major Merritt commanding the Niagara Dragoons accompanied me and gave me much assistance with part of his corps; Captain A. Hamilton belonging to it was disabled from riding and attached himself to the Guns under Captain Holcroft who speaks highly of his activity and usefulness.
I beg leave to add that volunteers Shaw, Thompson and Jarvis attached to the flank companies of the 49th Regiment conducted themselves with great spirit. The first was wounded and the last taken Prisoner; I beg leave to recommend these young men to
\
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMMANDERS OP VESSELS.
371
Tour Excellency's notice; Norton is wounded but not badly; He and the Indians particularly distinguished themselves; and I have very great satisfaction in assuring Your Excellency that the Spirit and good conduct of His Majesty's Troops, of the Militia and of the other Provincial corps were eminently conspicuous on this occasion.
I have not been able to ascertain] yet the number of our Troops or of those of the Enemy engaged. Ours I believe did not exceed the number of the Prisoners we have taken, and their advance which effected a landing probably amounted to thirteen or fourteen hundred.
I shall do myself the honour of transmitting to Your Excellency further details when I shall have received the several reports of the occurrences which did not pass under my observation with the returns of casualties and those of the killed and wounded and of the Ordnance taken.
I have the honour to be
Your Excellency's
Most obedient
humble Servant
R. H. Sheaffe, Maj. Genl. <fec. &c. &c.
His Excellency Sir George Prevost Bart. &c. &c. &c. [ Q 118, p 281 ]
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMMANDERS OF VESSELS.
Instructions for the Commanders of such merchant Ships or Vessels who shall have Letters of Marque and Reprizals for private Men , of War against the Ships Goods and Citizens of the United States of America, by Virtue of our Commission granted under our Great Seal of our United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland bearing date the thirteenth day of October 1812.
Given at our Court at Carleton House the thirteenth day of October 1812, and in the Fifty second year of our Reign.
Article 1st. That it shall be lawful for the commanders of Ships authorized by Letters of Marque and Reprizals for Private men of War to set upon by force of arms and subdue and take the men
372
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
of War Ships and Vessels belonging to the United states of Amer^ ica, or to any other Persons being Citizens of or inhabiting within any of the territories of the United States of America (save- and except any Ships to which our Licence has been granted or which have been directed to be released from the embargo and have not terminated the Original Voyage on which they were so detained and released) but so as that no Hostility be committed nor Prize attacked seized or taken within the Harbours of Princes and States in amity with us or in their Kivers or Roads within the shot of their Cannon unless by permission of such Princes or States or of their Commanders or Governors in Chief in such places.
Article 2nd. That the Commander of the ships and vessels sa authorized as aforesaid shall bring all Ships Vessels and goods which they shall seize and take into such Port of this our Realm of England, or some other Port of our Dominions as shall be most convenient for them in order to have them legally adjudged in our High Court of Admiralty of England, or before the Judge of any other Admiralty Court lawfully authorized within our Dominions.
Article 3rd. That after such Ships Vessels and goods shall be taken and brought into any Port, the Taker or one of his chief officers or some other person present at the capture shall be obliged to bring or send so soon as possibly may be three or four of the principals of the Company (whereof the Master, Supercargo, Mate or Boatswain to be always two), of every Ship or Vessel so brought into Port, before the Judge of our High Court of Admiralty of England or his Surrogate or before the Judge of such other Admiralty Court within our Dominions lawfully authorized as afore- said or such as shall be lawfully commissioned in that behalf to be sworn and examined upon such Interrogatories as shall tend to the Discovery of the Truth concerning the Interest or Property of such Ship or Ships or Vessels, and of the Goods, Merchandizes- and other effects found thereon.
And the Taker shall be further obliged at the time he produceth the Company to be examined, and before any Monition shall be issued to bring and^ deliver into the hands of the Judge of the High Court of Admiralty of England, his Surrogate or the Judge of such other Admiralty Court within our Dominions lawfully authorized — or others commissioned as aforesaid, all such Papers^ Passes, Sea Briefs, Charter Parties, Bills of Lading, Cocketts, Let-
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMMANDERS OF VESSELS.
373
ters and other Documents and writings'as shall be delivered up or found on board any Ship: the Taker or one of his chief officers or some other person who shall be present at the capture and saw the said Papers and Writings delivered up, or otherwise found on board at the time of the capture, making oath that the said Papers and Writings are brought and delivered in as they were received and taken without any Fraud Addition Subduction or Embezzlement or otherwise accounting for the same upon Oath to the satisfaction of the Court.
Article 4th. That the ships, vessels, goods, wares, merchandizes, and effects taken by virtue of Letters of Marque and Keprizals as aforesaid shall be kept and preserved, and no part of them shall be sold spoiled wasted or diminished and that the bulk thereof shall not be broken before Judgement be given in the High Court of Admiralty of England or some other Court of Admiralty lawfully authorized in that behalf that the Ships Goods and Merchandizes are lawful prize.
5th. That if any Ship or Vessel belonging to us or our subjects shall be found in distress by being in Fight set upon or taken by the enemy or by reason of ^ any other accident the commanders, officers and company of such Merchant Ships or Vessels as shall have Letters of Marque and Keprizals as aforesaid shall use their best endeavors to give aid and succour to all such Ship and Ships and shall to the utmost of their power, labour to free the same irom the Enemy or any other Distress.
Article 6th. That the commanders or Owners of such Ships and Vessels before the taking out Letters of Marque and Keprizals shall make application in writing subscribed with their Hands to our High Admiral of our United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, or our Commissioners for executing that office for the time being, or the Lieutenant or Judge of the said High Court of Admiralty or his Surrogate and shall therein set forth a particular true and exact description of the Ship or Vessel for which such Letter of Marque and Keprizals is requested; specifying the Burthen of such Ship or Vessel and the number and nature of the Guns and what other Warlike Furniture and Ammunition are on board the same, to what place the Ship belongs and the name or names of the principal Owner or Owners of such Ship or Vessel [and the number of men intended to be put on board the same and for what time they are victualled, also the names of the Commanders and Officers.
374
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Article 7th. That the Commanders of Ships and Vessels having- Letters of Marque and Eeprizals as aforesaid shall hold and keep and are hereby enjoined to hold and keep a Correspondence by all conveniences and upon all occasions with our High Admiral of our United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland or our Commissioners for executing that oflSce for the time being or their Secretary so as from time to time to render and give him or them not only an Account or Intelligence of their Captures and proceedings by virtue of such Commission but also of whatever else shall occur unto them or be discovered and declared unto them, or found out by them or by examination of or conference with any Mariners or Passengers of or in the Ships or Vessels taken or by any other ways or means whatsoever touching or concerning the Designs of the Enemy or any of their Meets, Ships, Vessels or Parties and of the Stations, Sea Ports and Places and of their intents therein and of what Ships or Vessels of the Enemy bound out or home or where cruizing, as they shall hear of and what else material in those cases may arrive at their knowledge to the end such course may be thereon taken, and such orders given as may be requisite.
Article 8th. That no commander of any Ship or Vessel having a Letter of Marque and Keprizal as aforesaid shall presume, as they will answer it at their peril, to wear any Jack, Pennant or other Ensign or Colours usually borne by our ships, but that besides the colours usually borne by Merchants ships they do wear a Red Jack with the Union Jack described in the Canton at the Upper Corner thereof near the Staff.
Article 9th. That no Commander of any Ship or Vessel having a Letter of Marque and Reprizal as aforesaid shall ransom or agree to ransom, or quit or set at liberty any Ship or Vessel or other Cargoes , which shall be seized and taken.
Article 10th. That all Captains or Commanding Officers of Ships having] Letters of Marque and Reprizals do send an account of and deliver over what Prisoners shall be taken on board any Prizes to the Commissioners appointed or to be appointed for the exchange of Prisoners of War or the persons appointed in the Sea Port Towns to take charge of Prisoners and that such Prisoners be subject only to the Orders Regulations and directions of the said Commissioners, and that no Commander or other officer of any ship having a Letter of Marque and Reprizal as aforesaid do presume on any pretence whatsoever to ransom any Prisoner.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMMANDERS OF VESSELS. 375
Article 11th. That in case the Commander of any Ship having a Letter of Marque and Reprizal as aforesaid shall act contrary to these Instructions or any such further Instructions of which he shall have due notice, he shall forfeit his Commission to all intents and purposes and shall together with his Bail be proceeded against according to Law and be condemned in Costs and Damages.
Article 12th. That all Commanders of Ships and Vessels having Letters of Marque and Reprizals shall, by every opportunity send exact copies of their Journals to the Secretary of the Admiralty and proceed to the condemnation of their Prizes as soon as may be and without delay.
Article 13th. That the Commanders of Ships and Vessels having Letters of Marque and Eeprizals shall upon due notice being given to them, observe all such other Instructions and Orders as we shall think fit to direct from time to time for the better carrying on this Service.
Article 14th. That all persons who shall violate this or any other of our Instructions shall be severely punished, and also required to make full reparation to persons injured contrary to our Instructions for all damages they shall sustain by any Capture Embezzlement Demurrage or otherwise.
Article loth. That before any Letter of Marque or Reprizal for the purposes aforesaid shall issue under Seal Bail shall be given with Sureties before the Lieutenant and Judge of our High Court of Admiralty of England or his Surrogate in the Sum of Three Thousand Pounds Sterling, if the Ship carries above one Hundred and Fifty Men, and if a less number, in the Sum of Fifteen Hun- dred Pounds Sterling which Bail shall be to the following effect and in the Form following.
Which day time & place personally appeared
and
who submitting themselves to the Jurisdiction of the High Court of Admiralty of England obliged themselves their Heirs Executors and Administrators unto our Sovereign Lord the King in the Sum
of pounds of Lawful Money of Great
Britain to this effect, that is to say. That whereas
is duly authorised by Letters of Marque and
Reprizals with the Ship called the
of the burthen of about , Tons, whereof he the saidl
376
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
goeth master by force of arms to attack,
surprize, seize and tak^ all Ships and Vessels goods wares and Merchandizes chattels and effects belonging to the United States of America or to any persons being citizens of the United States of America, or inhabiting within any of the Territories of the United States of America, excepting only within the Harbours or Koads within Shot of the Cannon of Princes and States in Amity with
His Majesty and whereas he the said hath a copy
of certain Instructions approved and passed by His Majesty in Council, as by the tenor of the said Letters of Marque and Reprizals and Instructions thereto relating more at large appeareth.
If therefore nothing be done by the said
or any of his oflBcers, Marines or Company contrary to the true meaning of the said Instructions and of all other Instructions which may be issued in like manner hereafter, and whereof due notice shall be given him, but that the said Letters of Marque and Reprizals aforesaid and the said Instructions shall in all particulars be well and duly observed and performed as far as they shall the said Ship Master and Company any way concern; and if they shall give full satisfaction for any Damage or Injury which shall be done by them or any of them to any subjects of His Majesty or of any Foreign States in Amity with His Majesty, and also shall duly and truly pay or cause to be paid to His Majesty or the Customers or officers appointed to receive the same for His Majesty, the usual Customs due to His Majesty, of and for all Ships and goods so as aforesaid taken and adjudged for Prize And moreover
if the said shall not take any ship or vessel
or any goods or Merchandizes belonging to the Enemy, or other- wise liable to confiscation through consent or clandestinely or by collusion by virtue Color or pretence of his said Letters of Marque and Reprizals that then this Bill shall be void and of none effect and unless they shall so do they do all hereby severally consent that execution shall issue fortlf against them their Heirs Executors Administrators, Goods and Chattels wheresoever the same shall be
found to the value of the sum of Pounds before
mentioned and in Testimony of the truth thereof they have hereunto subscribed their names.
[ Q 120, p 106 1
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMMANDERS OP VESSELS. 377
'StaDding Interrogatories to be administered on behalf of our Sover- eign Lord George the Third by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, King Defender of the Faith.
To all Commanders, Masters OflBcers Marines and other Persons found on board any ships and vessels which may have been or shall be seized, or taken as Prize by any of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels of War, or by Merchants' Ships or Vessels which have or shall have Commissions or Letters of Marque and Reprizals, concerning such captured Ships, Vessels or any Goods, wares and merchandizes on board the same examined as Witnesses in prepara- tory.
Let each Witness interrogated to every of the following Ques- tions and their answers to each Interrogatory, written down.
1 Interrogate. Where were you born, and where have you lived for these seven years past? Where do you now live? And how long have you lived in that place? To what Prince or State or to whom are you, or have you been a subject, and of what Cities or Towns have you been admitted a Burgher or Freeman, and at what time and in what manner were you admitted a Burgher or Freeman or where have you resided since? What did you pay for your admission? Are you a married man and if married where do your wife and family reside?
2 Interrogate. Were you present at the time of taking or seiz- ing the Ship or her lading or any of the goods or Merchandizes ooncerning which you are now examined? Had the Ship concern- ing which you are now examined any Commission? What and from whom?
3 Interrogate. In what place Latitude or Port, and in what year month or day was the Ship and goods concerning which you are now examined taken and seized? Upon what pretence and for what reasons were they seized? Into what Place or Port were they car- ried and under what Colours did the said Ship sail? What other Colours had you on board and for what resaon had you such other Colours? Was any resistance made at the time when the said Ship was taken and if yea, how many guns were fired and by whom? And by what Ship or Ships were you taken? Was sach Vessel or Ship of War or a Vessel acting without any Commission as you believe? Were any other and what Ships in sight at the time of
the capture?
48
378
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
4 Interrogatory. What is the name of the Master or Commander of the Ship or Vessel taken? How long have you known the said Master and who appointed him to the Command of the said Ship? Where did such Master take possession of her and at what time and what was the name of the person who delivered the possession to the said Master, where doth he live? Where is the said Master's fixed place of abode? If he has no fixed place of abode then let him ask where was his last place of abode and where does he generally reside? How long has he lived there? Where was he born and of whom is he now a subject? Is he married, if yea, where does his wife and children reside?
5 Interrogate. Of what Tonnage or Burthen is the ship which has been taken? What was the number of Mariners and of what Country were the said Seamen or Mariners? Did they all come on board at the same Port or at different Ports and who shipped or hired them, and when and where?
6 Interrogate. Had you or any of the oflScers or Mariners belonging to the Ship or Vessel, concerning which you are now examined any & what part, share or interest in the said Ship or her lading? If yea, set forth who & what goods and interest you or they have. Did you belong to the said Ship or Vessel at the time she was seized and taken? In what capacity did you belong to her? How long have you known her? When and where did you first see her, and where was she built?
7 Interrogate. What is the name of the Ship? How long hath she been so called? Do you know of any other name or names by which she hath been called? If yea, what were they. Had she any Pass Port or Sea Brief on board and from whom? To what Port and Places did she sail during her sd. voyage before she. was taken? Wfiere did her last Vovage begin and where was the said voyage to have ended? Set forth the quality of every Cargo the Ship has carried to the time of her capture from the time you have known her and what Ports such cargoes have been delivered at? From what Ports and at what time particularly from the last clearing Port did the said Ship sail previously to the capture? Under whose direction and management has she usually been with respect to her employment in Trade ? With whom do you corre- spond on the concerns of the Vessel and her Cargoes ? In what Country was she built as far as you know or have reason to believe?
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMMANDERS OF VESSELS.
379
8 Interrogate. What Lading did the said Ship carry out at the^ time of her first setting sail on her last voyage and what particu- lar sort of Lading and Goods had she on board at the time when she was taken. In what year and in what month was the same put on board? Set forth the different species of the Lading and the Quantities of each sort?
9 Interrogate. Who were the Owners of the Ship or Vessel concerning which you are now examined at the time when she was seized? How do you know that they were the Owners of the said Ship at that time? Of what Nation or Country are such owners by birth? Where do they reside & where do their wives and fam- ilies reside? How long have they resided there? Where did they reside before to the best of your knowledge ? To whom are they subjects?
10 Interrogate. Was any Bill of sale made and by whom to the Aforesaid Owners of the said Ship and if any such was made what month and year ? Where and in the presence of what Witnesses was such Bill of Sale made ? Was any and what Engagement entered into concerning the purchase further than what appears upon the Bill of Sale. If yea, was it verbal or in writing? Where did you last see it, and what is become of it ?
11 Interrogate. Was the said Lading put on board in one Port and at one time, or at several Ports and at several times and at what Ports by name ? Set forth what Quantities of each sort of goods were shipped at each Port?
12 Interrogate. What are the names of the respective Laders or Owners or Consignees of the said goods ? What Countrymen are they, where do they now live and carry on their business or trade ? How long have they resided there ? Where did they reside before to the best of your knowledge ? And where were the said goods to be delivered and for whose real account, risk or benefit ? Have any of the said Consignees or Laders any and what interest in the said goods ? If yea, whereon do you found your belief that they have such interest ? Can you take upon yourself to swear that you believe that at the time of the lading the Cargo and at the pres- ent time and also if the said goods shall be restored and
unladen at the destined Ports the Goods did, do, and will belong to the same Persons and to none others ? What is the ground of your knowledge or belief ?
380
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
13 Interrogate. How many Bills of Lading were signed for the -goods seized on board the said Ship ? Were any of those Bills of Lading false or colourable, or were any Bills of Lading signed which were different in any respect from those which were on board the Ship at the time she was taken ? What were the con- tents of such other Bills of Lading and what became of them ?
14 Interrogate. Are there in Great Britain any Bills of Lading, Invoices, Letters, or Instruments relative to the Ship and Goods concerning which you are now being examined ? If yea, set forth where they are and in whose possession, and what is the purport thereof and when they were brought or sent into this Kingdom ?
15 Interrogate. Was there any Charter Party signed for the voyage in which the Ship concerning which you are now examinied, was seized and taken ? What became thereof when where and between whom was such Charter Party made ? What were the con- sents of it ?
16 Interrogate. What Papers, Bills of Lading, Letters or other writings were on board the Ship at the time she took her depar- ture from the last clearing Port before her being taken as Prize ? Were any of them burnt, torn, thrown overboard, destroyed or can- oelled, and when and by whom, and who was then present ?
17 Interrogate. Has the ship concerning which you are now examined, been at any time and when seized as Prize and con- demned as such ? If yea, set forth into what Port she was carried and by whom and by what authority or on what account was she condemned?
18 Interrogate. Have you sustained any loss by the seizing and taking the ship concerning which you are now examined ? If yea, in what manner do you compute your loss ? Have you already received any indemnity, satisfaction or promise of satisfaction for any part of the damage which you have sustained or may sustain by this capture and detention, and when and from whom ?
19 Interrogate. Is the said Ship or Goods, or any and what part insured? If yea, for what voyage is such Insurance made, and at what premium, and when and by what Persons and in what Country was such Insurance made?
20 Interrogate. In case you had arrived at your destined Port would your Cargo or any part thereof on being unladen have imme- diately become the property of the Consignees or any other person
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMMANDERS OF VESSELS.
381
and whom, Or was the Lader to take the chance of the market for the sale of his goods ?
21 Interrogate. Let each witness be interrogated of the growth produce and manufacture of what Country and place was the lading of the Ship or Vessel concerning which you are now examined or any part thereof ?
22 Interrogate. Whether all the said Cargo or any and what part thereof was taken from Shore or Quay or removed or tran- shipped from one Boat Barque Vessel or Ship to another ? From what and to what Shore, Quay, Boat, Barque, Vessel or Ship and when and where was the same so done ?
23 Interrogate. Are there many Countrys besides Great Britain and where or on board any and what Ship or Ships Vessel or Vessels other than the Ship and Vessel concerning which you are^ now examined any Bills of Lading, Invoices, Letters, Instruments, Papers or Documents relative to the said Ship or Vessel and Cargo and of what nature are such Bills of Lading Invoices Letters Instruments Papers or Documents and what are the contents ?
24 Interrogate. Were any Papers delivered out of the said Ship or Vessel and carried away in any manner whatsoever, and when and by whom and to whom, and in whose custody possession or power do you believe the same now are ?
25 Interrogate. Was Bulk broken during the voyage in which you were taken or since the capture of the said Ship ? And when and where and by whose orders ? And for what purpose, and in what manner
26 Interrogate. Were any Passengers on board the aforesaid Ship ? Were any of them secreted at the time of the capture ? Who were the passengers by name ? Of what Nation Rank Profession or Occu- pation ? Had they any Commission ? For what purpose and from whom, From what place were they taken on board and when ? To what place were they finally destined, and upon what business? Had any and which of the Passengers any and what property or concern or authority directly or indirectly concerning the Ship and Cargo ? Were there any Officers, Soldiers, or Mariners secreted on board and for what reason were they secreted, were any of His Britannic Majesty's Subjects on board, or secreted or confined at the time of the capture ? How long and why ?
27 Interrogate. Were and are all the Passports, Sea Briefs, Charter Parties, Bills of Sale Invoices and Papers which were
382
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
found on board entirely true and fair ? Or are any of them false and colourable ? Do you know of any matter or oiroumstanoe to «flPect their credit. By whom were the Passports or Sea Briefs obtained and from whom ? Were they obtained for this ship only ? And upon the oath or Affirmation of the Persons therein described, or were they delivered to or on behalf of the person or persons who appear to have been sworn or to have affirmed thereto without their having ever in fact made such Oath or Affirmation ? How long a time were they to last ? Was any Duty or Fee payable and paid for the same ? And is there any Duty or fifee to be paid on the renewal thereof ? Have such Passports been renewed and how often, and has the Duty or ffee been payable for such renewal ? Was the Ship in a Port in the Country where the Pass- ports and Sea Briefs were granted ? And if not where was the Ship at the time ? Had any Person on board any Let Pass or Letters of Safe Conduct. If yea, from whom and for what Busi- ness ?
28 Interrogate. If it should appear that there are in Ireland or in the British American Colonies, or in any other place or Coun- try besides Great Britain any Bills of Lading Invoices Instruments or Papers relative to the Ship and Goods concerning which the witness is now examined. Then interrogate how they were brought into such Place or Country. In whose possession are they and do ihey differ from any of the Papers on board, or in Great Britain and Ireland or elsewhere and in what particular do they differ ? Have you written or signed any Letters or Papers, concerning the Ship and her Cargo ? If yea, what was their purport ? To whom were they written and sent and what is become of them ?
29 Interrogate. Towards what Port or Place was the Ship steer- ing her course at the time of her being first pursued and taken ? Was her course altered upon the appearance of the Vessel by which she was taken ? Was her course at all times when the weather would permit directed to the Place or Port for which she appears to have been destined by the Ship Papers? Was the Ship before, or at the time of her capture sailing beyond or wide of the said Place or Port to which she was so destined by the said Ship Papers ? At what distance was she therefrom ? Was her course altered at any and what time and to what other Port or Place and for what reason ?
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMMANDERS OF VESSELS.
383
30 Interrogate. By whom and to whom hath the said Ship been «old or transferred and how often ? At what time and what place «nd for what sum or consideration, hath such sum or consideration been paid or satisfied. Was the sum paid or to be paid a fair and true equivalent ? Or what security or Securities have been given for the payment of the same and by whom and where do they live now ? Do you know or believe in your conscience such Sale or Transfer has been truly made and not for the purpose of covering or con- cealing the real Property ? Do you verily believe that if the Ship should be restored she will belong to the Persons now asserted to be the owners and to none others, are there any private arrange- ments for the return of the Ship to her former owners at the con- clusion of the war or at any other period ?
31 Interrogate. What Guns are mounted on board the Ship and what Arms and Ammunition were belonging to her ? Why was she so armed ? Were there on Board any other Guns, Mortars, Howit- izers, Balls, Shells, Handgranades, Musquets, Carbines, Fuzees, Hal- berts, Spontoons, Swords, Bayonets, Locks, for Musquets, Flints, Ramrods, Belts, Cartridges, Cartridge Boxes, Pouches, Gun Powder, Salt Petre, Nitre, Camp Equipage, Military Tools, Uniforms, Soldiers Clothing or Accoutrements, or any sort of Warlike or Naval Stores ? Were any of such Warlike or Naval Stores, or things thrown over- board to prevent suspicion at the time of the capture, and were «nd are any such warlike stores, befoje described, concealed on board under the name of merchandize, or any other colourable appli- cation in the Ship Papers ? If yea, what are the marks on the Casks Bales and Packages in which they were concealed ? Are any of the before named articles, and which for the sole use of any Fortress or Garrison in the Port or Place to which such Ship was destined ? Do you know or have you heard of any Ordinance, Plaoart, or Law existing in such Kingdom or State forbidding the exportation of the same by private persons without licence ? Were such Warlike or Naval Stores put on board by any Public Author- ity ? When and where were they put on board ? '
32 Interrogate. What is the whole which you know or believe according to the best of your knowledge and belief regarding the real and true propriety and destination of the Ship and Cargo, concerning which you are now examined at the time of the capture ?
33 Interrogate. Did the said Ship on the Voyage in which she was captured, or on or during any and what former Voyage or
384
COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS.
Voyages, sail under the convoy of any Ship or Ships of war or other armed Vessel or Vessels ? If yea, interrogate for what reason or purpose did she sail under such convoy ? Of what force was or were such convoying ship or Ships. And to what State or Coun- try did such Ships or Ships belong ? What Instructions or Direc- tions had you or did you receive on each or every of such voyages when under Convoy respecting your sailing or keeping in company with such armed or convoying Ship or Ships and from whom did you receive such Instructions or Directions ? Had you any and what Instructions or Directions and from whom for resisting or endeavouring to avoid or escape from capture, or for destroying, concealing or refusing to deliver up your Ship's Documents and Papers ? Or any and what other Papers that might be or were put on board your said ship ? If yea, interrogate particularly as to the tenor of such Instructions and all particulars relating thereto, Let the Witness be asked if he is in possession of such Instructions or copies thereof, and if yea, let him be directed to leave the same with the examiner to be annexed to his Deposition.
34 Interrogate. Did the said Ship during the voyage in which she was captured or on or during any and what former voyage sail to or attempt to enter any Port under Blockade by the Arms and Forces of any and which of the Belligerent Powers. If yea, when did you first learn or hear' of such Port being so Blockaded and were you at any and what time and by whom warned not to pro- ceed to or attempt to enter such Blockaded Port ? What conversation or other communication passed thereon, and what course did you pursue upon and after being so warned off ?
[ Q 120, p 120 ]
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COURTS OF ADMIRALTY.
Instructions given at Our Court at Carleton House the 14th day of October 1812 in the 52nd year of Our Keign for our Courts of Admiralty in our Foreign Governments and Plantations being law- fully commissioned for their guidance respecting the mode of pro- ceeding on the capture of all Ships and Goods belonging to the United States of America, or to any persons being Citizens of, or inhabiting within any of the Territories of the United States of
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COURTS OF ADMIRALTY.
385
America, which are or shall be taken by any of our Ships of War or by Merchants ships which shall have Letters of Marque and Reprizals for that purpose by virtue of our Commission granted under our great Seal of our United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland bearing date the 13th day of October one thousand eight hundred and twelve and concerning all manner of captures, seizures, Prizes and Reprizals of all Ships and Goods that are or shall be taken during the present Hostilities.
1st All Witnesses which shall be produced to be examined regarding the capture of any ship and goods, whether Prize or not shall be examined upon the Interrogatories called the standing Interrogatories which are made use of in preparatory to adjudica- tion of Prize in our High Court of Admiralty of England, a copy of which Interrogatories is sent herewith, together with a copy of our Instructions for the Commanders of such ships as shall have Letters of Marque or Reprizals.
2nd The Judges of our Vice Admiralty Courts which shall be duly commissioned are directed to have special regard to the 3rd Article of the Instructions given with Letters of Marque, and here- with sent, which article particularly directs that before any Moni- tion issues all the Ships Papers are to be brought in upon oath of the Taker, or one of his chiefs officers and in the affidavit for that purpose it must be sworn that the said papers are brought and delivered in as they were received and taken without any Fraud, addition, subduction, or Embezzlement or otherwise the same must be accounted for upon oath to the satisfaction of the Court the Papers brought in to be numbered and the numbers specified in such affidavit.
3rd The Judges of our said Vice Admiralty Courts which shall loe duly commissioned or their Surrogates are upon the usual return of the Monition and which Monition shall not in any case be returned into Court until Twenty Days after the service or execu- tion thereof immediately to proceed to the Adjudication of Ship and Goods either to acquit or condemn the same upon the evidence arising from the preparatory examinations taken on the said Inter- rogatories and the Papers found taken in or with such capture or on board any other captured ship regarding the same unless it shall appear doubtful to the Judge whether such capture be lawful prize or not and unless it shall appear necessary according to the cir- cumstances of the case for the clearing and determining such doubt 49
386
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
to have further evidence upon Pleadings given by the Parties and admitted by the Judge or such other lawful mode of Enquiry as the said Judge may think requisite.
4th The said Judges are specially to take notice that they are not to proceed to condemnation on the mere want of a claim unless there be sufficient evidence that the Property belongs to the Enemy or is otherwise liable to confiscation but in case there be no such evidence the Judge shall wait a year and a day from the return of the Monition before he proceeds to condemnation for the want of a claim.
5th In case of a Decree for further Proof the Judge shall order the Capture to be appraised by Persons to be appointed by the Parties and approved of by the Court and sworn to appraise the same, according to the best of their skill and knowledge and for such purpose the Judge shall cause if he shall see fit the goods found on board to be unladen and an Inventory thereof being first taken by the Marshal of the Admiralty shall cause all such parts of the goods as are perishable to be sold by public sale (for the clear amount of which only the Captors shall be answerable to the Claim- ants) and the remainder unsold to be put into proper warehouses with separate Locks of the Collector and Comptroller of our Cus- toms and where there is no Comptroller then of the Naval Officer and Agents or persons employed by both parties at the charge of the party desiring the same and the Judge, after such appraisement made shall proceed to take sufficient security from the Claimants to pay the Captors the full value thereof in case the same shall be ajudged lawful Prize and shall also proceed to take sufficient security from the Captors to pay such Costs as the Court shall think proper, in case such ship shall be restored and after such security on both sides shall have been duly given the Judge shall make an Interlocutory Order to deliver the Capture to the Claimants.
But if the Claimants shall refuse to give such Security, the Judge shall cause the captor in like manner to give sufficient security to pay to the claimant the full value of the capture in case the same shall be restored and the Judge shall proceed to order the same to be delivered to the Captor,
6th If either party shall not rest satisfied with the sentence of the Judge and shall appeal the execution of such Sentence so appealed from shall not be suspended by reason of the appeal in case the Respondent shall give Security to be approved of by the
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
387
Court to restore the Ship Vessel Goods or Effects concerning which such sentence shall be pronounced or the full value thereof to the Appellant of the Sentence so appealed from shall be reversed.
By comraand of His Royal Highness The Prince Regent in the name and on the behalf of His Majesty.
[Countersigned] Sidmonth.
r Q 120, p 100 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 12.]
Headquarters, Montreal, 17th October 1812.
My Lord,
I have the honour to inform Your Lordship that the forces com- prising the cordon of defence against the approach of the enemy in this neighbourhood have moved into their respective cantonments in consequence of the inclemency of the season; the cantonments that I have selected for the troops do not remove them consider- ably from their original position they are calculated to afford equal convenience for the rapid concentration of the force placed under the immediate command of Major General de Rottenburg consisting of 2500 Regulars and 3000 select embodied Militia.
The last accounts I have obtained of the American Army acting against this frontier state Major General Dearborn to be at Green Bush near Albany with about 3000 men, mostly Recruits, and Brig- adier General Bloomfield at Plattsburg with 6000, having in his front at Champlain town twelve or fifteen hundred men.
A force has moved towards Chateauguay and great exertions are making by the Americans in front of the line of communication between this and the Upper Province from St Regis to Sackett's Harbour to interrupt our intercourse, in consequence of which sev- eral partial affairs have taken place in covering our Brigades of Batteaux proceeding from Montreal with supplies for Major General Brock's army.
The latest Intelligence from Detroit represents every thing in its immediate vicinity as quiet, and reports Colonel Proctor's having, detached a small force of Regulars and Militia to Fort Wayne to save the American force therein invested by the Indians from their
388
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
merciless Lands; — On the Niagara Frontier both parties were acting on the defensive.
The Government of the United States having become sensible of the great advantage we have hitherto derived from our Naval sup- eriority on the Lakes are using uncommon exertions to obtain a force superior to ours both on Lake Ontario and on Lake Erie.
It is necessary I should dwell a few moments upon this circum- stance to solicit the attention of His Majesty's Grovernment to that important part of the defence of Upper Canada ;— Having already transmitted to Your Lordship's Predecessor a list of the vessels in Commission, I have now to state the difficulties which attend pro- viding them with proper officers and suitable crews:— For the pre- sent I have allotted the Newfoundland Fencibles for that Service, and the Quarter Master General has picked up a scanty supply of sailors at Quebec.
But the officers are in general deficient in experience and particu- larly in that energetic spirit which distinguishes British Seamen; In consequence it will be highly necessary in the event of the con- tinuance of the war with America that tried officers of the Kank of Lieutenants and trusty men from the Navy should be appropri- ated for that service and sent to me as early as possible next Spring.
War was declared by the United States against Great Britain on the 18th of June; Offensive operations against this portion of His Majesty's Dominions quickly followed and found me struggling to overcome difficulties arising from a scarcity of specie and a luke- warmness in the disposition of the Canadians; — However I have for- tunately overcome these obstacles and have obtained from the Inhabitants of both Provinces a display of active loyalty that must decide their character for some years to come; — ^ But I have to lament the delay in the arrival of the Cloathing Arms and Stores applied for to Your Lordship when I was under the influence of strong apprehensions from the decided disposition of the American Government to act with hostility against His Majesty's Provinces.
From the want of those essential supplies I have not been able to avail myself of the voluntary services of the King's old and new subjects to the extent it has now become expedient I should use them.
LETTER FROM JOHN BLACKWOOD.
389
The introduction of Army Bills has had the best effect. They are forming a powerful link in the chain which binds the Canadas to Great Britain,
I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
Most obedient
humble Servant
Geoege Peevost. The Eight Honble Earl Bathurst. ♦
[ Q 118, p 273 ]
LETTEE FEOM JOHN BLACKWOOD.
Montreal, 17 Oct. 1812.
Gentn.
Agreeable to what I hinted in my last I shall now endeavour to give you some account of our Political situation here, — for politics are certainly very often connected with Trade, or at least Mercan- tile Adventure often very much depends on them.
Without entering into any calculation of the Enemy's force that is hanging now on our frontiers, or statement of our own it may be sufficient to say that no man here entertains the least doubt of our being fully able to resist them should they attempt an attack this fall; & it is on the contrary the general wish that they should in order that they might feel who they have to contend with, which it is thought would quiet them for the rest of the Winter; how- ever it does not appear that they will make any attack on Lower Canada, this fall as the accounts from the lines these two days are that they are breaking up their camp & going into Cantonments about Burlington on the opposite side of the Lake Champlain. But it is apprehended and I think not without reason, that they will send part of the force they are withdrawing from our neigh- bourhood to assist in making another attack on Upper Canada where I hope they will meet the same fate as before.
But notwithstanding our present situation & additional troops which we certainly must have out this fall yet, unless the Ministry are to continue sleeping until the Country is lost, when the winter roads get good in Feb. & March & every Creek & Eiver gets pas-
390
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
able for every kind of carriage; we will be exposed to attack from so many points that are now altogether impracticable, that it is impossible to say what the consequence may be, without there is a serious attack made on their Sea Ports to draw their attention of this Country. I am convinced from what I have seen & observed at different times that it would be an easy matter for 5 or 6 ships of the line & frigates &c with only a few thousand men, to go into all their harbours in the Union, destroy all their Batteries & of course sweep out all their Ships of War & Privateers, with every thing that swims.
Such a step as this but nothing else would bring about a speedy & lasting peace. If we begin Blockading & negociating until they get their armies organized, & their sea Ports well fortified, which they were very busy doing when I landed last month, the present glo- rious of striking a decisive blow will be lost.
I suppose you will still as usual hear a great deal of cant about our friends in America meaning the federal Party, who are to bring about every thing for us just as we could wish if we could only be quiet, and not irritate them by hard fighting.
I mean not to detract from the character of many good & respectable gentlemen in America with several of whom I am in habits of friendly intercourse, but be assured that England as a nation, has probably not one friend in America. And a large majority hate her more (I am convinced) than the Inhabitants of France do. I have studied the politics of America attentively & seen a good deal of the people for the last 3 years, I do not give these opinions lightly, nor without due consideration. Now keeping the above serious facts in view I must call on you, on behalf of myself & your other friends in the Country, as well as from what you owe to the Empire at large to press them upon the ministry by every possible means that something effectual may be done with- out delay. They have already ruined many British subjects & given much assistance to our Enemies by the extraordinary mode they adopted about the time we sailed, & are still continuing I mean that of giving American Ships protection from our cruizers. I must also call your attention to another circumstance, viz, the great consequence both in a political & mercantile point of view of our retaining Michillimackinac, Detroit and their dependant ter- ritories now completely in our possession — to shew in a clear point of view the consequence the Indians are of to us as allies in pro-
LETTER FROM JOHN BLACKWOOD.
391
teoting our frontiers; and the policy the Americans will adopt towards them if they are again in their power. I need only refer you to Genl. Hull's official aoct. of his surrender.
If Mackinac, Detroit &c were put in possession of the Americans again it is very evident that the Indians will either be extermi- nated, as I am told has been the case in large districts to the Westward & Southwards, or they will be forced to join the Amer- icans against us in the next war, which would probably not be long in taking place, & in either case I do not see how our dis- tant possessions in Upper Canada could be defended without going to enormous expense, more than probably people at home would think them worth, & once our Barriers and Outposts abandoned, they our Enemies would be constantly pressing upon us here.
But I trust that the importance of these possessions in the above as well as in a Commercial point of view will be fully & effec- tually represented by the Gentlemen immediately interested in that trade, who of course understand the subject better than I can do. You must excuse the pressing & free manner I call on you in this business. These are not times for trifling, and every man must render what assistance he can in support of the Country. We see a set of rank Americans about Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, &c supported by Leading men, both in & out of Parliament, in my opinion little better than traitors to their Country, overawing Min- istry & controlling the measures of government. Why should not powerful associations of honest men interested in the welfare of their Country I ought to say feeling that Interest for we are all interested, be found to counteract their dangerous Machinations ?
Trade is very dull here owing to the effects of the war & in a great measure to the failure of the last crop which I am afraid has been very general in the lower Province.
Notwithstanding the war & the American Non Importation Act there was a considerable export of British Manufactures, particularly fine goods going on to the States when I arrived here, which was put a stop to all at once by a total prohibition of export from our executive Government here. All the principal Mercantile houses here memorialled the Governor on the 5th instant " to grant free permission to export all such articles, as might not be of imme- diate use to the Enemy, in supplying their army with necessaries,
392
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
A
as yet no answer has been return 'd to our Memorial & the pro- hibition still continues.
I remain &o
[ Q 120, p 177 ]
MA J. GEN. R. H. SHEAFFE TO EARL BATHURST.
[No.l.]
Upper Canada, York, 20th October 1812.
My Lord,
In consequence of the death of Major General Brock, late Presi- dent administering the Government of this Province, who gloriously fell in an action with the Enemy at Queenstown on the 13th instant, I have the honour of announcing to Your Lordship that, conformably with the additional Instructions of the Thirteenth of July eighteen hundred and eleven, I have repaired to this place to meet the Honorable the Executive Council, before which I have this day taken the oaths prescribed as a member thereof, and as President to administer the Civil Government of this Province.
I do myself the honour of transmitting herewith an extract from my despatch of the thirteenth Instant to His Excellency Sir George Prevost, for the fur.ther information of Your Lordship on the sub- ject of the public loss, which it has become my duty to commu- nicate to you.
Since the Command of the Troops in this Province has devolved on me, no despatch has been received from Colonel Procter, Com- manding at Detroit; the last letter from that officer, dated early in this month, stated that he had intelligence of two considerable corps being on their march to form a junction and act against him, each consisting of from two to three thousand men, and I learn that another strong corps is in motion to support them.
The Enemy has been reinforced on the Niagara Frontier since the action of the thirteenth Instant, and I am informed, expect fresh succours; notwithstanding the losses they have sustained, they seem determined to repeat their attacks by the aid of numbers and perseverance they may eventually succeed in obtaining possession of,
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
393
at least, a small portion of this Province, unless respectable rein- ioroements speedily arrive, the season for transporting which, by the St Lawrence, and the Lakes, is fast approaching to a termina- tion. At present there is an armistice, agreed on for an indefinite period, from Lake Erie to Lake Huron, between Brigadier General Smyth, Commanding on the United States Frontier and myself; thirty hours notice to be given of its intended rupture; — -It was proposed by him, and I acceded to it, both as corresponding with the system of forbearance which policy and a spirit of conciliation had prescribed, and as permitting my coming to this place to revive the supreme civil authority; the prolonged suspension of which might have proved highly detrimental to the public service.
Lieut Colonel MacDonell Provincial aide de camp to the late President, and attorney general of this Province died on the 14th of the wounds he received in the action at Queenstown; I shall appoint a person to act in that capacity until His Majesty's pleas- ure shall be known.
I have the honour^ to be
with great respect
Your Lordships
most obedient
and most devoted Servant R. H. Sheaffe, M. Genl & President, &c. &c. &c.
Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c. [Q 315, p 205 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 13.]
Head Quarters, Montreal, 21st October 1812.
My Lord,
I have the satisfaction of reporting to Your Lordship that His Majesty's Forces aided by the Militia and Indians stationed on the Niagara Frontier have completely repelled a second attempt of the Enemy to invade Upper Canada and that a Victory has been gained which has left in our possession nine hundred of the American Army and their Commander Brigadier General Wadsworth who sur- rendered himself on the field of Battle to Major General Sheaffe. 50
394
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
His Majesty & the Country have to deplore the loss of an able and most able officer in Major General Brook who fell early in the Battle at the head of the flank companies of the 49th Regiment whilst nobly encouraging them to sustain their position in opposi- tion to an infinitely superior force until the reinforcements he had ordered to advance to their support should arrive; For further par- ticulars of this splendid affair I beg leave to refer Your Lordship to Major General Sheaffe's report herewith transmitted.
I also transmit a general order I have just issued to the Forces in the British American Provinces on the occasion of this impor- tant success as it contains a statement of the services rendered by all who had the good fortune to maintain on that day the fame of His Majesty's arms and to convince our deluded neighbours that their superiority in numbers cannot intimidate His Majesty's Army nor shake the fidelity of his Canadian Subjects.
Not having received the return of the killed & wounded on the 13th nor that of the Ordnance and Stores captured from the Enemy I am under the necessity of deferring sending them to Your Lord- ship until the next opportunity when I also expect to forward the Colours taken from the Americans to be laid at the feet of His Royal Highness The Prince Regent.
Captain Fulton my aide-de-camp will have the honor of deliver- ing this Dispatch to Your Lordship. He is very capable of afford- ing such information as Your Lordship may require respecting the State of His Majesty's Canadian Provinces.
Bight companies of the Glengarry Levy are in motion to rein- force Upper Canada.
I have the honor to be Your Lordship's
Most obedient humble Servant
George Prevost,
Commd. of the Forces.
The Right Honble Earl Bathurst.
Endorsed: Montreal, 2l6t Octr. 1812.
Lieutenant General Sir George Prevost, Bt. R, 26th Novr. by Captain Fulton at Midnight. No. 13. Two Inclosures.
[ Q 118, p 278 ]
GENERAL ORDERS.
395
GENERAL ORDERS. [ Montreal Herald Office, Wednesday, Oct. 2l8t. ]
Adjutant General's Office, Head Quarters, Montreal, 21st Oct., 1812.
General Orders.
His Excellency the Commander of the Forces has received an official Report from Major General Sheaffe, of the brilliant victory achieved on the 13th instant, by a portion of the Troops under his command, over a division of the Enemy's Army, which effected a landing at Queenstown, under cover of the night.
That Post was nevertheless defended with undaunted gallantry, by the two jflank Companies of the 49th Eegiment, animated by the presence of their gallant and ever to be lamented chief, Major Gen- eral Brock, whose valuable life was, on this occasion, devoted to his Country's service. These companies displayed exemplary disci- pline and spirit, although the captains of both were wounded, and succeeded in keeping the enemy in check, until the arrival of Major General Sheaffe with reinforcements.
The disposition of the Forces and plan of attack adopted by Major General Sheaffe, cannot receive a higher or more just praise, than by stating that Nine Hundred Prisoners of War, under the command of Brigadier General Wadsworth, surrendered their Arms to a force inferior in numbers, and without sustaining any consid- erable loss on our part.
A six Pounder and a stand of Colours have been taken from the Enemy.
Major General Sheafte's Report of the zeal and undaunted gal- lantry that animated every officer and soldier of his army, affords the commander of the Forces the most heartfelt satisfaction, and will be a most gratifying duty to His Excellency to bring before the notice of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent.
Lieut. Colonel Myers, Deputy Quarter Master General, was sta- tioned in charge of Fort Erie and succeeded in completely silencing the fire of the enemy, drove a detachment from the encampment near the Black Rock, destroyed a Barrack, in which was a consid- erable depot of ammunition. Its explosion must have killed many.
The Caledonia, lately captured by the Enemy, was destroyed at her moorings.
396
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Lieut. Colonel Myers speaks highly of the discipline of the detachment of the 49th Eegiment, under Major Ormsby, and of the skill and spirit with which the guns were served, under Captain Kirby and Lieut Bryson of the Militia.
Essential service was rendered by Brigade Major Evans, left in charge of Fort George; a well directed fire from that work suc- ceeded in silencing the Enemies' Batteries on the opposite side. Captain Vigoureux Royal Engineers, Colonel Claus and Captains Powell and Cameron of the Militia, were zealous and indefatigible in their exertions, particularly in extinguishing fires which broke out in the Court House and other places from red-hot shot fired by the Enemy.
Captains Dennis and Williams, of the flank companies of the 49th "Regiment, have particularly distinguished themselves, the for- mer officer retained the command of his company to the end of the conflict tho' suffering severely from his wound.
To Captain Holcroft of the Royal Artillery, the highest praise is due for his successful and judicious co-operation. The well-directed fire of the Artillery Militia as well as regular, is the best proof of the indefatigible zeal and talents of that officer.
Major Merritt commanding the Niagara Dragoons accompanied and rendered essential assistance with part of his corps. Captain A. Hamilton, belonging to it, was disabled from riding and attached himself to the guns under Captain Holcroft, who speaks highly of his activity and usefulness.
Lieutenant Crowther 41st Regiment had charge of two field pieces which were employed with good effect.
Captains Derinzy and Bullock are represented to have maintained the high reputation of the 41st Regiment in the detachment under their respective commands. Major General Sheaffe reports having received essential service from Captain Glegg, the aid-de-camp to Major General Brock, Lieut Fowler 41st Regt. Depy Assistant Quar- ter Master General and Lieutenant Ker of the Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles, employed with the flanking party of Indians.
The eminent services and talents of Lieut. Colonel Macdonnell, Provincial Aid-de-Camp and Attorney General of the Province, are recorded by the most honorable testimony of the gallant general, whose steps he followed during his short but glorious career, nor quitted him in death.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
397
Volunteers Shaw, Thompson and Jarvis, attached to the flank companies of the 49th Regt conducted themselves with great spirit; the first was wounded and the last taken prisoner.
The Major General particularly mentions the services of Lieut Cols. Butler and Clark of the Militia, and Captains Hatt, Durand, Rowe, Applegarth, James Crooks, Cooper, Robert Hamilton, McEwan and Duncan Cameron and Lieut Richardson, and Thomas Butler commanding flank companies of the Lincoln and York Militia, who led their men into action with great spirit.
The Major General reports the conduct of the Indians employed on this occasion, as meriting the highest praise for their good order and spirit, and particularly names the chief Norton, who was wounded.
Several gentlemen volunteered their services in the field, and shared in the honor of the day. Mr. Clouch and Mr. Willcox, were of the number, and the Major General witnessed the zealous conduct of many others not named in his report.
Major General Sheaffe had humanely consented to a cessation of offensive hostility, on the solicitation of Major General Van Ran- seller for the purpose of allowing the Americans to remove the bodies of their slain and wounded.
G. O. Major General Roger Hale Sheaffe is appointed to the command of the Troops in the Upper Province, and to administer the Civil Government of the same.
Edward Baynes,
Adjutant General.
Endorsed: 1.
In Sir George Prevost'e No. 18 of 2lBt Octr. 1812.
[ Q 118, p 288 ]
SIE GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 14.]
Head Quarters, Montreal, 22d October 1812.
My Lord,
I have the honour to acquaint Your Lordship that in consequence of a dispatch which I have received from Major General Dearborn expressing a wish that I would admit the officers and privates of
398
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
the American Army now Prisoners at Quebec to their parole and understanding at the same time from the papers he transmitted to me that was the President's desire in order to lessen the calami- ties of war that all persons already made prisoners on either side should be exchanged without delay for which purpose an arrange- ment has been entered into by the American Government and Mr. Baker as respected Naval prisoners, I have given directions for two of the Transports now at Quebec to be immediately fitted up for the reception of all the American Prisoners at that place for the purpose of transporting them on their parole to Boston to which place they will proceed without delay and where I have no doubt they will be exchanged as soon as the arrangement above mentioned shall be completed.
I take the opportunity of once more earnestly soliciting Your Lordship for a supply of Arms accoutrements and clothing for the Militia forces in the Canadas; In fact without the first two articles His Majesty's Service in this part of the world may experience serious inconvenience.
I have the honour to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obedient
humble Servant
George Prevost.
The Eight Honble Earl Bathurst.
Endorsed: Montreal, 22d Octr. 1812.
Lt. General Sir George Prevost, Bt. E. 26 Novr. by Captain Fulton. No. 14.
[ Q 118, p 296 ]
ANTHONY S. BAKER TO VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGH.
Extract of Dispatch from Mr. Baker to Viscount Castlereagh dated Washington Novr. 3d 1812. ^
No movement has taken place at Plattsburgh, although all accounts agree that Brigadier Genl. Bloomfield continues to receive reinforce- ments.
ANTHONY S. BAKER TO VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGH.
399
Major GeDeral Dearborn's Head Quarters still remain near Albany. In the inclosed paper will be found an official account of the In Nat. inteii Capture of two Vessels by the Americans on the 8th Ulto near of Nov. 3d. Port Erie, one of which was destroyed by the guns of the Fort. Some Skirmishes have occurred on the American Bank of the St Lawrence but of a very unimportant nature, 400 seamen, the crew of the "John Adams" Frigate which is found to be unserviceable, are to be employed on the Lakes under the command of Commo- dore Chauncey.
Brigadier Genl. Harrison arrived at Fort Wayne with about 4 thousand men of the force called the North Western Army on Sept 12th, and driving away the numerous Savages who had surrounded that place, sent out some Detachments who destroyed the Indian villages in the vicinity. He was for a short time superceded by Brig. Genl. Winchester, but on account of his popularity in the Western States, and amongst the Troops, reinstated in his com- mand, Brigr. Genl Winchester consenting to serve under him. On the 2nd Instance he relieved Fort Defiance, which had been block- aded by a large Force composed of Indians and some British Troops sent from Detroit, who retired on the approach of the Amer- icans. It appears that a body of Volunteers are proceeding towards Michigan from Virginia, and another from Pennsylvania, and that a Junction of the whole is to take place at the Rapids of the Miami below Fort Defiance, The march of these Troops is very much delayed by the want of the most common necessaries, and they are in so destitute a condition, that it is doubtful whether they will be able to keep the field, after the severe weather has commenced. Their immediate object is probably the securing that part of the Frontier from the attacks of the Indians and they may perhaps endeavour to retake Detroit, which is represented to have been dismantled.
The enclosed Extract of a letter from Capt Heald to the late commandant at Chicago gives an account of the evacuation of that Fort, and the subsequent attack and capture of the Garrison by the Indians, from which it appears that those who were killed, fell in the action, and were not massacred, as at first believed.
Bodorsed:
Extract of a dispatch from Mr. Baker to Viscoant Castlereagh, dated Washington Novr. 3d 1812.
[ Q 120, p 209 ]
400
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
COL. EDWAED BAYNES TO MAJ. GEN. GEORGE GLASGOW.
Extract of a Letter from Colonel Edward Baynes, Adjutant General, to Major General George Glasgow, dated Head Quarters, Montreal the 3rd November 1812.
I enclose Returns of the Prisoners of war who embarked yes- " terday on board four Schooners His Excellency requests that the Captain of the Frigate may be solicited to receive on board those " who are British Born Subjects to be disposed of in such manner "as the Admiral may direct — by distributing them among the "Marines or Seamen of the Fleet — or sending them to the army " DepCt to be disposed of on Foreign Service. His Excellency "disapproves of any of them being permitted to join corps in this " Country from the facility that would thereby be afforded them " to return to the United States.
[ Q 123, p 152 ]
Smyth's proclamations to the men of the state of new york.
For many years you have seen your Country oppressed with numerous wrongs. Your Government, although above all others devoted to peace, have been forced to draw the Sword and rely for redress of injuries on the valour of the American people.
The valour has been conspicuous. But the Nation has been unfortunate in the selection of some of those who have directed it. One army has been disgracefully surrendered and lost, another has been sacrificed by a precipitate attempt to pass it over at the strongest point of the enemy's lines, with most incompetent means.
The cause of this miscarriage is apparent. The Commanders were popular men, destitute alike of theory and experience in the art of war.
In a few days the Troops under my command will plant the American Standard in Canada.
They are men accustomed to obedience, silence and steadiness. They will conquer or they will die.
Will you stand with your Arms folded and look on this inter- esting struggle ? Are you not related to the men who fought at Bennington and Saratoga? Has the race degenerated? Or have you
ANSWER TO GEN. SMYTH'S APPEAL TO NEW YORK MEN. 401
under the baneful influence of contending factions forgot your Country ? Must I turn from you and ask the men of the Six Nations to support the Government of the United States? Shall I invite the officers of the British King, and suffer our ungathered laurels to be tarnished by ruinless deeds ? Shame, where is thy blush ? No, where I command the vanquished and peaceful man, the child, the maid, and the matron, shall be secure from wrong. If we conquer, we will conquer but to save."
Men of New York; the present is the hour of renown. Have you not a wish for fame ? Would you not choose in future times to be named as one of those who imitating the heroes whom Mont- gomery led, have in spite of the seasons, visited the tomb of the Chief, and conquered the Country where he lies ? Yes. You desire your share of the fame. Then seize the present moment. If you do not you will regret it and say "the valiant have bled in vain: The friends of my country fell — ^ and I was not there."
Advance then to our aid, I will wait for you a few days, I can not give you the date of my departure. But come on, come in Companies, half companies, pairs, or singly, I will organize you for a short tour. Ride to this place, if the distance is far, and send back your horses. But remember that every man who accompanies us places himself under my command, and shall submit to the salutary restraint of discipline.
Alexander Smyth,
Brig. Genl.
Camp near Buffalo, November 10, 1812.
ANSWER OF THE MEN OF NEW YORK, INHABITING THE WESTERN DISTRICT.
General — We have seen your Proclamation. We have seen this Country, not many years ago, the sole habitation of the beasts of the forest & their prowling Enemy. Wee see it the habitation of many thousand souls, rich in all the necessaries and in many of the comforts of life. Till the day that the sound of war burst on our ear from the Capitol at Washington, we scarcely experienced one moment of anxiety for the safety of our persons and property.
The clamour of avaracious traders, and of factious office seekers, trouble not our quiet. It reached us, but at the period of the 51
402
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
elections, and it was then but like a blast of wind on our Lakes, varigating but for a moment the placid uniformity of the surface.
Why should our Swords be drawn in redress of injuries which we have never felt, or which, if they exist, are beyond our reach ? Why appeal to our valor, for the destruction of our own happiness or of that of others.
We are the descendants of the men that fought at Bennington and at Saratoga. The labours of the field are proof, alike, against degeneracy, and the rage of contending factions. You, General, have been more exposed to their influence. The men who fought at Bennington and Saratoga fought for the liberties of their Coun- try. Foreign Mercenaries had set foot upon the soil which their hands had redeemed from the desert and rendered fertile; they had entered the sanctuaries of their wives and children. Our Fathers fought and conquered. You, General, who are taking the place of these mercenaries, you cannot appeal to us.
The renown which you seek is not our renown. It is the renown of Europe, not of America. The wrath of God precedes it, and desolation follows in its footsteps. It delights in blood, and in fields strewn with carnage, in the tears of the widow and the plainings of the orphan perishing of want and disease. This is your glory. Ours, has upon it the primeval blessing of the Almighty; our Victories are Victories over the unproductive face of nature; our renown, is in fertile fields, in peaceful homes and numerous and happy families.
Go, General, if you will. Should you ever reach the Walls of Quebec, the shade of Montgomery will reproach you for not having profited by his example; and when you fall, the men of New York will lament that folly has found new victims.
[ Q 119, p 134 ]
ANTHONY S. BAKEK TO VISCOUNT OASTLEREAGH.
Extract of a Dispatch from Mr. Baker to Viscount Castlereagh, dated Wasington November 11, 1812.
" The latest certain accounts from the North Western Army state the failure of an attempt made by a Detachment of mounted men to proceed to the Kapids of the Miami below Fort Defiance, which is to be the place of Rendezvous for the whole of this force
GENERAL SMYTH TO HIS SOLDIERS.
.403
together with the Virginia & Pennsylvania Volunteers. The report of the officer who commanded, a copy of which is enclosed, to Erigr. Genl. Harrison, shews, that notwithstanding the opposition made by the Indians was very trifling, the detachment could not reach its destination, but was obliged to return in consequence of the insubordination and confusion which prevailed on its march, and of the desertion of the greater part of the troops.
Endorsed:
Extract of a Dispatch from Mr. Baker to Lord Castlereagh, dated Washington Novr. 11, 1812. Mr. Hamilton. 30 Deer. 1812.
[ Q 120, p 224 ]
GENERAL SMYTH TO THE SOLDIERS OF THE ARMY OF THE CENTRE COM- PANIES IN ARMS !
The time is at hand when you will cross the streams of Niagara, to conquer Canada, and to secure the peace of the American frontier.
You will enter a Country that is to be one of the United States, you will arrive among a people who are to become your fellow citizens. It is not against them that we come to make war. It is against that Government which holds them as Vassals.
You will make this war as little as possible distressful to the Canadian people. If they are peaceable they are to be secure in their persons; and in their property, as far as our imperious neces- sities will allow. Private plundering is absolutely forbidden. Any soldier who quits his rank to plunder on the field of battle, will be punished in the most exemplary manner.
But your just rights as soldiers will be maintained, whatever is booty by the usages of war you shall have. All horses belonging \o the Artillery and Cavalry; all waggons and teams in public ser- vice, will be sold for the benefit of the captors. Public stores will be secured for the service of the U. States. The Government will, with justice, pay you the value.
The horses drawing the Light Artillery of the Enemy are wanted for the service of the U. States. I will order Two Hundred Dol- lars for each to be paid to the party who may take them.
I will also order Forty Dollars to be paid for the arms and spoils of each savage warrior, who shall be killed.
404
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Soldiers! You are amply provided for war. You are superior in» number to the Enemy. Your personal strength and activity ar& greater. Your weapons are longer. The regular soldiers of the Enemy are generally old men whose best years have been spent in the sickly climate of the West Indies.
They will not be able to stand before you, when you charge with the bayonet.
You have seen Indians such as those hired by the British to murder women and children, and kill and scalp the wounded. You have seen their dances and grimaces, and heard their yells, can you fear them ? No, you hold them in the utmost contempt.
Volunteers! Disloyal and traiterous men have endeavoured to dis- suade you from your duty. Sometimes they say, if you enter Can- ada, you will be held to service for five years. At others they say, that if you are wounded the Government will not provide for you by pensions. The just and generous course pursued by the Gov- ernment towards the Volunteers who fought at Tippecanoe, furnisher an answer to the last objection. The others are too absurd to- deserve any.
Volunteers! I esteem your generous and patriotic motives. You have made sacrifices on the Altar of your Country. You will not suffer the enemies of your fame to mislead you from the path of duty and honor, and deprive you of the esteem of a grateful coun- try. You will shun the eternal infamy that awaits the man, who having come within sight of the enemy, basely shrinks in the moment of trial.
Soldiers of every Corps ! It is in your power to retrieve the honor of your Country; and to cover yourselves with glory. Every man who performs a gallant action shall have his name made known to the nation. Rewards and honors await the brave. Infamy and contempt are reserved for Cowards. Companions in Arms! You come to vanquish a valiant foe. I know the choice you will make. Come on my heroes! And when you attack the Enemies Batteries let your rallying word be "The Cannon lost at Detroit or Death."
Alexander Smyth, Brigadier General Commanding.
Camp near Buffalo, 17th Nov. 1812.
Endorsed' 6.
Lt. Gen. Sir G, Prevoet. No. 30. 17 Dec. 1812.
[ Q 119, p 139 ]
RETURN.
405
KETURN.
Heturn of killed, wounded, and missing of the following dorps of the Division of the army serving in Upper Canada under the command of Major General Sheaffe, in an affair with the Enemy on the Niagara Frontier, on the 21st and 28th November 1812.
21st November.
Royal Artillery. 1 Rank & file wounded. 1 Rank & file [killed.
28th November.
Royal Artillery. 1 Rank & file killed, 1 Lieutenant 1 Rank & file [wounded.
49th Regiment. 12 Rank & file killed, 1 Lieutenant 3 Sergeants '& 22 Rank & file wounded 3 Drummers & 21 Rank & file missing. Royal Artillery. 1 Sergeant wounded.
1st Regiment Norfolk Militia. 1 Sergeant killed, 1 Captain 1 Lieu- tenant and 8 Rank & file wounded, 2 Rank & file missing.
2nd Regiment Norfolk Militia. 1 Rank & file killed. 7 fRank & ^le wounded, 4 Rank & file missing.
1st Regiment Oxford Militia. 5 Rank & file missing.
Total Loss. 14 Rank & file Line, 1 Sergeant, 1 Rank & file Militia killed — 2 Lieutenants, 3 Sergeants 24 Rank & file Line: 1 Captain, 1 Lieutenant, 1 Sergeant, and 15 Rank and File Militia wounded — 3 Drummers & 21 Rank & File Line, 11 Rank & File Militia, missing.
General Loss. 1 Sergeant and 16 Rank & File killed — 1 Captain, 3 Lieutenants, 4 Sergeants 39 Rank & File wounded — 3 Drummers and 32 Rank & File missing.
Officers wounded. Captain Bostwick 1st Norfolk Militia (slightly) Lieut King Royal Artillery (Severely) and taken Prisoner. Lieut Lamont 49th Regt (severely) Lieut Ryerson 1st Regt. Norfolk Militia (severely).
Thomas Evans,
Major of Brigade.
By His Excellency's Command.
Edwaed Baynes, Adjt. Genl.
Endorsed: Return of the killed, wounded and missing in the affair of the 28th Novr. 1812, on the Niagara Frontier. 4. Lt. Genl. Sir G, Prevost. No. 30. 17 Dec. 1812.
[ Q 119, p 128 ]
406
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
TREATY FOR THE RELEASE OF PRISONERS OF WAR.
Treaty for the release of Prisoners of War upon their Parole, and for their eventual exchange, concluded at Whitehall U. S. 12th November, 1812, between Major General Dearborn Commander of the Forces of the United States in the Northern Department and Robert McDonall Esqr. Captain of the 8th or King's Regiment of Infantry and aid-de-camp to the Governor in chief of the Can- . adas, duly authorized by His Excellency Lieutenant General Sir George Prevost.
Article 1st.
The American Prisoners of War at present in Canada are to be embarked for Boston with as much expedition as circumstances will admit, on their Parole, not to carry arms or engage in any active hostility or perform any military service whatever, until regularly exchanged.
None of these Troops are to be suffered to remain on the Fron-^ tier, or with any corps engaged on actual service.
Article 2nd.
Prisoners of War who may be prevented by sickness from return- ing to their Country, willj be sent when sufficiently recovered, by the Post of St John's, a receipt for the men by name, being given by tho officer at the advance Post who receive them.
Article 3rd.
The Detachment of Canadian Voyageurs, and all British Pris^ oners of War of whatever description, belonging to the British Forces in Canada, are to be immediately sent upon their parole to the nearest advance Post towards St Johns, apprizing the Com- mandant of the circumstance, who will give a receipt for the same.
They will of course be subject to the same conditions as those mentioned in the 1st Article.
Article 4th.
Should the fortune of war hereafter place British Prisoners, whether Regulars or Militia, in the power of the American Gov- ernment, they are immediately to be sent back to the nearest. British Post, and an equal number of American Prisoners are in.
TREATY FOR THE RELEASE OF PRISONERS OF WAR. 407
consequence to be released and exhonerated from their parole; as far as may be practicable, all exchanges to be kept distinct, Troops of the Line for Regulars; embodied Militia for the Militia taken in arms; and other corps according to their respective engagements and organization.
Article 5th.
In the event of the Prisoners of war of either Country who are on parole, being permitted to reside at their respective homes, the utmost precaution to be taken by both Governments, in impressing upon their minds the serious consequences which must result to them should they inconsiderately engage in any Corps or Regiment, or perform any Military duty, until it is oflScially announced to them, that they are regularly exchanged and released from their parole; and in order that no mistake may arise, involving such serious consequences, whenever any men are proposed to be exchanged, correct authenticated Lists of the Individuals are to be interchanged between the two governments, expressly mentioning the name of each Soldier thus rendered eligible again to bear arms in the service of his Country.
( Article 6th.
Should the British Government have omitted to take Lists of the Militia released upon their parole at Detroit and Queenstown, the American Government is to furnish as correct Lists as can be procured, in order to simplify and facilitate their exchange, when circumstances render it practicable.
Article 7th.
Such British Prisoners, as are, or may be taken in Upper Canada, are to be sent to the nearest Military Post in that Country, instead of St John's.
H. Dearborn,
Majr. General. Rt. McDonall, Capt. King's Rt. A. D. C. to the Lt. Genl. Sir Geo. Prevost.
Head Quarters, Montreal, 24th November 1812.
Ratified, George Prevost, Commr, of the Forces.
[ Q 119, p 105 ]
408
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
MAJ. GEN. R. H. SHEAFFE TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
Chippawa, 80th November 1812.
Sir,
I have the honor of reporting to Your Excellency that very early in the morning of the 28th an attack was made on our Bat- teries opposite to Blackrook, they were wrested from us for a time by superior numbers, but Major Ormsby of the 49th Begiment, with a Body of Troops from Fort Erie, having formed a junction with Lieut Colonel Bisshopp, who had moved up with great celerity from Chippawa with Keinforcements, those of the Enemy who had not retired to their own shore, amounting to nearly Forty, were made Prisoners, with Captain King who had commanded in the attack.
On receiving information of the attack I went up, having pre- viously ordered a movement of some Troops to strengthen those Posts, from which Reinforcements had been detached to the right Flank; On my arrival there I found the enemy in great force, some on shore, some in Boats, and perhaps with the hope of its giving effect to a summons which Lieut Colonel Bisshopp had received to surrender Fort Erie; — when I approached the ground opposite to Black Rock, several large bodies of the enemy were, seen moving downwards. I suspected their intention to be, either to advance from the bottom of Squaw Island in aid of a direct attack above it in front of Black Rock, or that a design against this Post, or some lower point was in contemplation, I therefore caused some detachments that I had passed on the road, to be halted opposite the foot of Squaw Island, and I remained there till night approached, when I sett off for this Post; — I continue here as being a central situation, in which I can quickly receive intelli- gence from either extremity of the Line,
It appears that in the affair of the 28th the loss on our part, if not the early success of the enemy, was chiefly owing, to his hav- ing been mistaken for friendly succour coming from some neigh- bouring Quarter.
Captain Fitzgerald of the 49th Regiment was employed to carry to Black Rook, Lieut Colonel Bisshopp's answer to the summons he received; he saw B, General Smyth who desired him to survey his Force, — he counted Fifty six large Boats with men in them, and there was a great number of Troops on shore, in all, he thought about Five Thousand, and he saw six Scows with a field
COLONEL BISSHOPP TO GENERAL SHEAFPE.
409
piece in each, and Horses with every appurtenance for Field movement.
I have not yet received Lieut Colonel Bisshopp's OflScial Report, nor the Beturn of the killed, wounded and missing, I wait for them to dispatch an express — Lieut Colonel Bisshopp deserves high com- mendation for the spirit and activity he displayed, and great credit is due to the oflBcers and men who acted under his orders.
It was unfortunate for the Service that, those valuable officers Lieut King of the Eoyal Artillery and Lieut Lament of the 49th Eegitnent were so early disabled, otherwise the most beneficial effects might have been expected from their exertions. I have the honor to be
Your Excellency's
most obedient
Humble Servant
R. H. Sheaffe, M. Genl. Comg. &c. &c. His Excellency, Sir George Prevost, Bart, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: 1.
Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 30. 17 Dec. 1812.
[ Q 119, p 114 ]
LT. COL. CECIL BISSHOPP TO MAJOR GEN. R. H. SHEAFFE.
French Man's Creek, near Fort Erie, December 1st 1812.
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that on the morning of the 28th ulto, between four and five o'clock, a firing was heard at Chippawa on the right of the Line under my command, I proceeded instantly in that direction, having given orders for Captain Kerby of the Militia Artillery with a Light six Pounder, Captain Saunders's detachment of the 41st Regiment and Captain Hamilton's Company of the 2d Lincoln Regiment to march under the command of Lieut Colonel Clark to reinforce the Right. On my arrival within six miles of Fort Erie, I overtook Major Hall of the 5th Lincoln Regt. with the Militia under his command, intending^ to march to oppose the enemy, the 49th Regt and the Light Company of the 41st Regt under the command of Lieut. Mclntyre having retreated to
this position.
52
410
COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS.
Major Ormsby informs me that about two o'clock in the morning, the Enemy consisting of about Four Hundred men, many of which were Sailors, effected a landing at the Eed House, opposite the quarters of Lieut Lament 49th Kegt, and succeeded in gaining possession of the Batteries, after having been most gallantly and warmly opposed by Lieut King, of the Eoyal Artillery commanding Two Field Pieces, and Lieut Lament with a party consisting of about 30 men only, the remainder of the detachment being stationed at the Two Batteries on his right. Both these oflBcers were severely wounded; the former taken Prisoner. Captain Bostwick commanding the Norfolk Militia stationed at the Ferry, on hearing the report of musquetry, immediately ordered the men under his command to form, and marched to the point of attack ; after having exchanged a few rounds with the Enemy and finding he was of superior force, he retired: Lieut Bryson of the Militia Artillery, finding the Enemy gaining possession of the Batteries and being unable to defend himself against such a superior force spiked the 24 pounder, in the half Moon Battery, prior to its falling into the hands of the Enemy.
The Sentries at Fort Erie hearing a firing in the direction of the Batteries, Major Ormsby marched at two o'clock, with the detachment of the 49th Kegt, consisting of Eighty men, to meet the Enemy and to support the Batteries; leaving Captain Whelan, according to directions I had before given, in case of an attack, with the Light Company of the Newfoundland Regt. to defend that Fortress : —
Major Ormsby advanced towards the Batteries by the back road, to support Lieut Lament, but having met with Lieut. Bryson of the Militia Artillery, who informed him, that the Enemy were in possession of the Batteries, it being then dark he changed his direction, and moved to the right, along the front road, below the Batteries, with a view of falling in with some pait of Lieut Lament's detachment, and likewise another party on the left, con- sisting of 35 men stationed opposite to the end of Squaw Island, commanded by Lieut Bartley but who it appears had moved from thence early in the morning to the left, where the enemy had like- wise landed their Troops opposite to this Place; — ^ Lieut Bartley attacked the Enemy consisting of about 250 men, and kept up a fire upon the Boats for about 15 or 20 minutes, when he observed a party coming towards him which he took to be our Militia, but finding them to be a party of the Enemy, and a number of his
COLONEL BISSHOPP TO GENERAL SHE AFFE.
41V
men being killed, wounded or missing, he retired, crossing French- man's Creek at the mill a little above which he joined Major Ormsby, having only 16 or 17 men left.
Major Ormsby whose detachment continued their march towards Frenchman's Greek, was fired on from a house above the Bridge, by a party of the Enemy, and having returned their fire with two or three rounds from his detachment, he succeeded in passing the Bridge, altho' partly destroyed by the Enemy : He here halted to ascertain the force opposed to him, but as it still continued very dark, he could neither see the Enemy, nor discover his movemeptsr — He then proceeded about a mile further on the Road downwards, where he was joined by Lieut Mclntyre of the Light Infantry 41st Regt. and remained there until day light, when I arrived and immediately advanced with the whole of the force here, concentrated under Major Ormsby, and Major Hatt of the 5th Lincoln Militia, having under his command the difl:'erent Companies of Militia on this line, consisting of about 300 men, towards this place, with a light six pounder, where we took Captain King of the United States Infantry and about 30 Rank and file Prisoners; — The Enemy at this time were crossing the River with a considerable number of Boats, having about 30 men in each, making towards the land. I ordered the six pounder to open upon them, which was ably directed by Bombardier Jackson of the Royal Artillery, and acted with much execution, I joined the line on the bank, Major Ormsby and the 49th being on the right, after a few rounds from our musquetry, the enemy retired to the American shore, behind Squaw Island, having sustained considerable loss: —
The Indian Warriors under Major Givens having heard the Report of our Fire, immediately joined us — I then marched with the Light Company of the 41st, to ascertain the number and position of the enemy in our front, in which movement I received the greatest assistance from Major Givens, and the Indians under his command; The Enemy had dismounted the Guns, and left the Batteries; I ordered the line to advance, and took up a position in their rear, waiting his further operations, I had been joined by Lieut Colonel Clark and his detachment from Chippawa; — Captain Whelan still continued in Fort Erie, and had not been attacked during the absence of Major Ormsby and his detachment — The Enemy kept up a strong fire on our lines from their Batteries till one o'clock when a Flag of Truce came over to summons Fort Erie, and to demand the surrender of that Post, to the American Army, a copy of Gen-
412
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
eral Smyth's letter accompanies this dispatch; I sent Captain Fitz- gerald of the 49th Regt, with my answer, which was, that the Troops under my command being sufficient to repulse any attack from the Enemy, and having received Reinforcements from below, I should not agree to his request; — the six pounder taken by the Enemy in the morning as likewise the three pounders were found without having sustained the least injury. Great credit is due to Captain Kerby and the Artillery for their exertions in getting up the Guns on the Batteries, which by the morning of the 30th we succeeded in, and have been ever since in expectation of an attack, but which the Enemy do not think proper to make; — To Captain Kerby, Lieuts Bryson and Ball of the Militia Artillery and Bom- bardier Jackson of the Royal artillery, the greatest credit is due, as well as to Lieut Colonel Nichol Q. M. General of Militia, and Lieut Bernard Acting Staff Adjutant.
I have also derived the greatest assistance from Lieut Colonel Clark commanding the Militia, Major Ormsby commanding a Detach- ment of the 49th Regt. and Major Hatt of the 5th Lincoln Mili^ tia, and all officers in command of Corps and Companies under my orders ; —
The Norfolk Militia under Captain Bostwick gave a strong proof of the valor which has uniformly distinguished the Militia of this Country when called into action; — I must likewise mention the names of Captain Whelan of the Newfoundland Regt. Captains Chambers and Saunders of the 41st, Captain Fitzgerald 49th and Captain Hamilton of the 2d Lincoln Militia, who first apprised me of the Enemy's movements,
I inclose a list of the killed, wounded and missing — I had not been able to ascertain the loss of the Enemy, but from the num- bers left on the field and the Boats that were sunk, it must have been very great.
I have the honor to be Sir
Your J most obedient
Humble Servant Cecil Bisshopp,
Lt. Col. Commanding.
To Major General Sheaffe, &c. <fec. &c.
Endorsed: 3,
Lt. Genl. 8ir G. Prevost. No. 30. 17 Dec. 1812.
[ Q 119, p 120 ]
EARL BATHURST TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST. 41 a
MA J. GEN. R. H. SHEAFFE TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
Sir, Fort George, 4th December 1812.
Some circumstances rendering my presence here necessary, I came down yesterday from Chippawa.
I have the honor of transmitting Lieut Colonel Bisshopp's Report of the operations of the 28th of November, with a return of the killed, wounded and missing which I received yesterday evening. I also, enclose sundry other documents among them is a Proclamation by B. General Smyth,* its character altogether is such as reflects the greatest discredit on those who cauld authorize its publication, it has not yet fully answered its purpose,
From the information in some of the accompanying papers, Your Excellency will perceive, that a want of mutual confidence existed between the General and his Troops — this is confirmed by intelli- gence I received this morning from Lieut Colonel Bisshopp, that Assistant Surgeon Steele, who had been taken prisoner on the 28th had returned, bringing the information that B, General Smyth had been forced to leave Buffalo, because he had declined moving his Troops across the River.
I have the honor to be
Your Excellency's most obedient humble Servant
R. H. Sheaffe, M. Genl. Comg. &c. &c. &c. His Excellency Sir George Prevost, Bart, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: 2.
Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 30. 17 Dec. 1812.
[ Q 119, p 118 ]
EARL BATHURST TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
[No. 16.]
Downing Street, 9th Dec. 1812. To Lieut General Sir George Prevost, Bart, &c. &c. &c. Sir,
In acknowledging the receipt of your Dispatch, No. 14, I cannot avoid expressing my doubts as to the expediency of the arrange- ment to which it principally relates. For altho' I feel equally with yourself the desire of alleviating the miseries of war, I have some^ fears lest the indiscriminate release of all American Prisoners upon Parole may not tend to increase the diflSculties of your situation
*For proclamation see page 400.
414
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
without produciDg any ♦corresponding advantage, of this however from being on the spot you will have the best means of judging, as you will be immediately able to ascertain whether the measure does not place at the disposal of the American Government, means of recruiting their army which they would not otherwise possess.
For even if the Prisoners should adhere to the Engagement under which they have been released, & not join the Army under Gen- eral Dearborn, they may yet be employed with great advantage to the Enemy in maintaining internal tranquillity and suppressing dis- turbance within the United States. At all events however I feel disposed to object to the Port of Boston as the point to which such Prisoners should be conveyed, since from being situated at so small a distance from the Head Quarters of the American Army a greater temptation is held out to the violation of their Parole, & in the event of their being exchanged they become more imme- diately applicable to the annoyance of the Provinces under your charge.
Endorsed: Draft.
Lieut. General Sir Geo. Provost, &c. &c. &c. December 1812. No. 16.
[ Q 118, p 307 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 28.]
Head Quarters, Quebec, 10th December 1812.
My Lord,
I beg leave to enclose for Your Lordship's information the copy of a Treaty * which has been entered into between Major General Dearborn Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States and myself, for the release of Prisoners upon Parole, and for their eventual exchange; which I have been induced to ratify, to assuage as far as possible the evils attendant upon a state of warfare, and conceiving it to be consonant to the policy of forbearance, recom- mended to be pursued towards the United States, by command of His Eoyal Highness the Prince Regent I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's most obedient and most humble Servant
George Prevost.
The Right Honble Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c. [ Q 119, p 104 ]
* For treaty see page 406.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
415
SIR aEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 30.]
Head Quarters, Quebec, 17tli December 1812.
My Lord,
I have the honor to transmit herewith for Your Lordship's information, the copy of dispatches I have just received express from Major General Sheaffe commanding in Upper Canada, contain- ing a report of another attack made by the enemy on the 28th ulto, upon the Niagara Frontier between the posts of Chippawa and Fort Erie, which I have the satisfaction of announcing to have been repulsed, in a manner highly creditable to His Majesty's Arms, and the Militia employed upon the occasion, with trifling loss ; —
The Enemy has suffered considerably in killed and wounded and one Captain (King) and 38 men were taken Prisoners.
The particulars of this affair are detailed in General Sheaffe 's dispatches, and the report accompanying them from Lieut Colonel Bisshopp, who, with the force under his orders was more imme- diately engaged with the enemy, and to which I beg leave to refer Your Lordship.
I have to lament that Lieutenant King of the Royal Artillery, and Lieutenant Lament of the 49th Regiment have been wounded severely — the former fell into the hands of the Enemy, but I trust will have been released.
I annex for Your Lordship's further information, a copy of the General order which I have in consequence directed to be published to the army under my command. I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obedient and
most humble Servant
George Prevost.
The Right Honorable Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c.
indorsed: Quebec, 17th Dec. 1812.
Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 30. R. 3 March. Six Inclosures.
[ Q 119, p 112 ]
416
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS. GENERAL ORDER.
ROYAIi
Aems.
Adjutant General's Office, Head Quarters, Quebec, 17th Dec. 1812.
General Order.
His ExcelleDcy the Commander of the Forces, has great satisfac- tion in announcing to the Troops under his command, that he has received a report from Major General Sheaffe, communicating the detail of a partial Action with the main body of the Enemy's army, under the command of Brigadier General Smyth, on the 28th of November, on the Niagara Frontier, between Chippawa and Fort Erie, which terminated with distinguished honor to a very small division of the British Army under Lieut Col. Bishop, who in a most spirited and gallant manner, defeated and repulsed an Invad- ing Enemy, so vain glorious in the great superiority of his Force, that he had with an ostentatious pretence of humanity, proposed the surrender of Fort Erie, to avoid an useless elfusion of British Blood and which was instantly rejected by Lieut Col Bishop with the contempt it merited.
The Enemy was gallantly opposed in landing, at two o'clock in the morning by the parties under Lieut King of the Royal Artil- lery, and Lieuts Bartley and Lament, commanding detachments of 30 and 35 men each, of the 49th Regiment, Lieut Bartley pre- vented for a considerable time, the landing of a Force more than ten times his number, and did not relinquish the contest, until his party, reduced to 17 effective men, was threatened by a strong detachment of the Enemy, who had landed on his Flank. He made good his retreat, and joined Major Ormsby. Lieut King and Lieut Lamont resisted with spirit the advance of the Enemy, until both those officers being severely wounded, they were under the necessity of giving way to an overwhelming Force; the wounded officers fell into the Enemy's hands.
Major General Sheaffe expresses in the strongest terms, his entire approbation of the celerity and decision evinced by Lieutenant Col-
GENERAL ORDERS.
417
onel Bishop, who moved with reinforcements from Chippewa and met Major Ormsby, who had marched with the detachment of the 49th Kegiment from Fort Erie, and also Detachments of the 41st Eegiment and Militia, under Lieut Colonel Clark, and Major Hatt. At day break this Force advanced to meet the Enemy, and made Prisoner a Captain and 88 men of the Enemy's Artillery, and recovered the Guns which had fallen into their hands, and remounted them on the Batteries.
This Force formed to receive the threatened attack, but the Enemy being much galled by the Musquetry, and suffering consid- erably from a six pounder, most ably served by Bombardier Jack- son of the Royal Artillery, turned their Boats to their own shore, after a vain display for several hours of their numerous armament. From the numbers left on the Field, and the Boats which were sunk, the enemy's loss must have been very great.
A heavy Cannonade was kept up from all the Enemy's Batteries during the day but with little effect.
His Excellency cannot express in sufficiently strong terms, his approbation of the steady disapline and intrepid firmness, displayed by the Troops on this occasion, who undaunted by the superior Force of the Enemy in numbers, have evinced a brilliant and glo- rious example of the pre-eminence of British discipline.
Major Gen. Sheaffe reports the assistance rendered by Major Ormsby and the officers of the 49th Eegiment and 41st Regt and the Light Infantry Company of the Royal Newfoundland Regt under Captain Whelan, and of the Militia under Lieut Col. Clark and Major Hatt and Captain Kerby of the Artillery, and of the Indian Warriors, under Major Givens, as having been gallantly and judiciously displayed, reflecting the highest honor on every Indi- vidual engaged.
Edwabd Baynes, Adjutant General, North America.
Endorsed: 5.
Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 30. 17 Dec. 1812.
[ Q 119, p 130 ]
53
418
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
HOWARD DOUGLAS TO EARL BATHURST.
High Wycombe, Deer. 20th 1812.
My Lord,
A long residence in Canada and a knowledge of my Father's services in that Country, lead me, on referring to the Speech of the President of the United States, to the liberty I take of obtrud- ing an observation to Your Lordship on the extraordinary measures it is necessary to take to defeat the attempts which will be made by the American Government to gain a naval superiority on the Lakes of Upper Canada.
Your Lordship is well aware what effect an ascendency gained over us there would produce on the safety of Upper Canada, as well as the facilities it would give to prepare from that quarter, a combined attack on the lower settlements. Nor will it have escaped Your Lordship's observation that so long as Fort Niagara is in possession of the Enemy, the entrance to Niagara now is commanded together with the power of destroying the Town of Newark and of com- manding Fort George. If the capture of that Post (an enterprize which will require considerable means to accomplish and retain) cannot be looked to, the communication with Lake Erie by Queens- town Fort Chippewa and Fort Erie for the transport of stores, must be abandoned, and a new line opened by the River La Tranche (or Thames) which becoming considerable, not far distant from the head of Lake Ontario, falls into a small Lake (St. Clair) between Huron & Erie. The land carriage on this Line would it is true be considerable, but the River once gained an excellent communica- tion would be possessed, which is extremely convenient for the establishment of a depot oq Lake St Clair, or as a Naval Arsenal either for Lake Erie or Lake Huron. But in either case the pos- session of the Upper and the protection of the Lower Province depend upon our maintaining a decided superiority on Lake Ontario, which I conceive is in some danger of being lost, unless extraor- dinary measures be resorted to without delay, to secure it.
The Vessels by which we maintained a superiority on Lake Cham- plain in 1776, were prepared in England; the frames &c being sent one in the Squadron which my father commanded. The pieces were sent up the Rapids in Batteaux, and were put together, and the Vessels launched in an astonishingly short time on the Lake.
HOWARD DOUGLAS TO EARL BATHURST.
419
By resortiDg to such means our command of Lake Ontario may be insured. The frames may be made here during the Winter, whilst the Masts, Planks, Spars and Slips may be prepared in Canada. Vessels with the frames, and such other parts and stores as are sent from England, may arrive at Quebec by the 10th or 12th of May, and their contents reach Lake Ontario by the 1st of June. Thus by the month of August such a plan might create a suflBcient force to hold the command of the Lower Lake.
The Provincial Marine should be put upon a better Establishment and encouragement held out to intioe the voluntary service of regu- larly bred naval oflBcers.
I have the honour to be
Your Lordships
most obedient humble Servant
Howard Douglas.
The Earl Bathurst.
Endorsed: High Wycombe, 20th Deer. 1812. Ansd. 26th. Sir Hd. Douglas.
[ Q 120, p 197 ]
420
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
<D O
fl
I
ft
®
Q fl
• r-f XJ fl
O
;h
a
fl fl
C6 fl fl OS
.2 ^
fl
o
02
«^
ft -5
o q3 O ^
rfl
o
fl O
fl
o
rfl
o fl
CD
fl -fr^
<D 03
|
Officers wounded. |
Lieut Colonel St George I. F. 0. M. Lieut Troughton |
Capt. Tallan, I^t Clemon Ens, Kerr Lt Rolitte, Lt Irvine, M. Rich- ardson. Capt Mills, Lt McCormick & Lt J. Gordon. Ensign Garvin |
||||||||||||
|
Wounded |
||||||||||||||
|
9Je:^9JdJ9!^uI 'puj 1 |
1 1 1 1 1 1 174 |
1 |
||||||||||||
|
U9aiBes 1 |
1 1 1 <M 1 1 |
1 |
||||||||||||
|
S9:^BAIJJ |
CQ OQ C- CO |
1 ^ |
||||||||||||
|
8i9aanf) | ' |
US > |
1 ^ |
||||||||||||
|
'SjpjBqmog 1 |
1 ^ |
|||||||||||||
|
S^BIOdJOQ 1 |
c>a CO I 1 |
1 ^ |
||||||||||||
|
s^uBdCieg 1 |
OQ I <M 1 |
1 ^ |
||||||||||||
|
suagi^tequg | |
CO (SI 1-t |
1 |
||||||||||||
|
SUlBljdBJ 1 |
tH I I i-H < |
1 ^ |
||||||||||||
|
8j9uoto3 '^u^i'j 1 1 ; |
1 |
|||||||||||||
|
Marine Dept Killed |
TBiox 1 |
la 1^ 1H CM 03 |
1 |
|||||||||||
|
ueniBeg | |
||||||||||||||
|
89^BAIJ<J 1 |
T-l 1 <NI |
1 1 e<i |
||||||||||||
|
s;^aBeCi9g | |
1 |
|||||||||||||
|
U9niB9g 1 |
1 <si |
|||||||||||||
|
8J9Uun9 1 |
1 ^ |
|||||||||||||
|
8aiBM8:}Bog | |
1 |
|||||||||||||
|
U9tadiqg ptpg | |
1 ^ |
|||||||||||||
|
8:}^uBa9:)U9iq | |
CM |
j <M |
||||||||||||
|
co |
1 *° |
|||||||||||||
|
•Q 'I jeded^ QJoi^s ;^ssy | |
I— 1 |
1 ^ |
||||||||||||
|
•dea pai !Jd80 | |
1 ^ |
|||||||||||||
|
•Q 'I ^paejuuedng | |
||||||||||||||
|
e^Bpj U08UJBQ 1 ^ |
||||||||||||||
|
•U9{) 'raoQ •:j98v '^a 1 1 |
||||||||||||||
|
•jipj •ueo -H t) '^a 1 I |
||||||||||||||
|
In action Regulars & Militia. |
en^3j)3iaBa 1 |
S cS s |
o S |
1 ^ |
||||||||||
|
sjgtucunjQ | |
1 |
|||||||||||||
|
8)nB9(:j9g 1 |
00 |
1 ca |
||||||||||||
|
e9JO(^g JO 3|[D 1 |
f-l |
|||||||||||||
|
eao93jQg isay \ |
||||||||||||||
|
8UJ9:^TBqng | |
Tt< (M |
CO CO |
1 ^ |
|||||||||||
|
sniBjdBf) 1 |
ta CO |
|||||||||||||
|
ajocspg 1 |
||||||||||||||
|
8[9aop3 'iT \ 1 |
||||||||||||||
|
9 [900^03 1 |
||||||||||||||
|
Regiments Departments |
It c |
■ t < I ; J I \ 1 ^ ] 3 0 |
I 4- • > u 3 t 3 P M |
i 1 >» i 0 i * ? ,2 ■4 |
1 5 2 c ; cc |
5 g i P ' a II |
a \ 2 . ! 1 1 |
2nd Essex Militia |
3 9 D « 1 |
1 a i 1 : c I 1 4 |
a I 3 } 3 "» I |
a C E- |
« o o O
M
CO
RESPECTING PRISONERS TAKEN WITH GEN. HULL.
421
LETTEE TO EABL BATHUB8T RESPECTING THE PRISONERS TAKEN WITH GENERAL WM. HULL AT DETROIT.
Doctor's Commons, 8tli February, 1813. May it please Your Lordship,
We are honoured with Your Lordship's Commands of the 30th Ultimo, transmitting a list of Twenty five persons who appear by their own confessions, as certified in the Eeturn, to be British Subjects, and who were found serving in the American Army under the Command of Brigadier General Hull at the time of its surren- der in Fort Detroit on the 16th August 1812; together with a copy of the Capitulation, under which the men in question became Pris- oners— and desiring that we should report to Your Lordship, our opinion, whether these Individuals who were serving in America, previous to the commencement of the war, and who could not pre- vious to their capture have received any Information of war having been declared by this Country against the United States, can be legally tried for being found in Arms against His Majesty; or if they can be brought to trial for the offence, whether it would be advisable to proceed against them."
In obedience to Your Lordships directions, we have considered the same, and have the Honor to Keport — That the Declaration of Hos- tilities by either Belligerent is not necessary to constitute the offence of High Treason in a British subject adhering to a Foreign Power in the hostile Invasion of, any part of His Majesty's Dominions, as the existence of such Hostility is a fact that may be proved in any manner to the satisfaction of the Jury.
There can be no doubt that such Hostility existed on the part of the Government of the United States; and we are of opinion that the British Subjects so taken in Arms are liable to be tried on a charge of High Treason.
Whether it will be expedient that such proceedings shall be had against th-em, may depend on many particulars, with which we are not acquainted.
We think that the want of knowledge of the offence they were committing cannot be received as an excuse otherwise than as a Plea to Mercy.
We are of opinion also, that the capitulation does not make a dis- tinction in their favor; unless there was any assurance given by the British oflScer that they should be protected on a disclosure of their real character.
422
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
The Governor does not seem to have thought, that they would be subject to criminal proceedings, but it does not appear whether any assurance to that effect was given to them.
We humbly submit whether it would not be advisable that the examinations of these persons should be taken before a final deter- mination is made on their case.
We have the honour to be Your Lordships
most obedient
humble Servants
Chr. Kobinson, , Thos. Plumeb, W. Gakkon.
Lincoln's Inn, 8th Feby. 1813. Earl Bathnrst, &c. &c. <fec.
Endorsed: Doctor's Common, 8th Feby. 1813.
H. M. Advocate, Attorney & Solicitor General. Copy to Home Department 12th Feby.
[ Q 123, p 176 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 43.]
Quebec, 8th February 1813.
My Lord,
I have the honor to congratulate Your Lordship upon the signal success which has again attended His Majesty's Arms in Upper Canada.
Brigr. General Winchester with a division of the Forces of the United States consisting of upwards of 1,000 men, being the right wing of Major General Harrison's army, thrown in advance, march- ing to the attack of Detroit, was completely defeated on the 22d of January last, by Colonel Proctor, commanding in the Michigan Territory, with a force which he had hastily collected upon the approach of the Enemy, consisting of a small detachment of the 10th Royal Veteran Battalion, three companies of the 4l8t Regiment, a party of the Royal Newfoundland Fencibles, the Sailors belonging to the Queen Charlotte, and 150 of the Essex Militia, not exceed- ing five hundred Regulars and Militia and about six hundred Indians; — the result of the action has been the surrender of Brigr. General
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
423
Winchester with five hundred officers, non-commissioned officers and privates of the American Army, and with a loss on their part of nearly the like number in killed and wounded.
In the details of this affair which reflects the highest credit upon Colonel Proctor for the promptitude, gallantry and decision which he has manifested upon the occasion, I beg leave to refer Your Lordship to his letter to Major General Sheaffe* herewith trans- mitted.
I have also the honor of transmitting to Your Lordship returns of the killed and wounded on our part, and of the Arms Ammuni- tion and Prisoners taken from the Enemy, the latter of which Your Lordship will not fail to observe more than exceeded the whole of the Regular and Militia Force which Colonel Proctor had to oppose to them.
Major General Harrison with the main body of his Army consist- ing of about two thousand men was reported to be four or five days march distant from Brig. General Winchester's Division advancing in the direction of Detroit — I think it not improbable that upon hear- ing of the disaster of this division and the loss of his supplies, he may commence his retreat, but should he persevere in his endeav- ours to penetrate further into the Michigan Territory, I feel the fullest confidence in the skill and bravery of Colonel Proctor, and the Troops under his command for an effectual resistance to every attempt of the enemy in that quarter.
A small detachment from the Eoyal Artillery at Fort George with the Light Infantry Company of the 41st Regiment have marched to reinforce Detroit — They are to be replaced on the Niagara Frontier by Troops now in motion from Montreal. I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
most ' obedient and
most humble Servant
George Prevost.
The Right Honorable The Earl of Bathurst.
Endorsed: Qaebec, 8th Feby 1813.
Lieut. Genl. Sir Q. Prevost, Bart. No. 43. E. 22d April. Foar Inclosures.
[ Q 121, p 68 ]
* Letter published in Vol. 15, page 227.
424
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO MAJ. GEN. H. DEARBORN.
Castle of St. Lewis, Quebec, 8th February 1813.
Sir,
HaviDg to my great surprize seen in one of the United States News- papers a publication purporting to be a Copy of a General Order issued by Your Government by which General Hull and the other officers for whose exchange you applied to me in your letters of 26th December and 2d January last, and to which I then declined acceeding are declared to be exchanged and as free to act against Great Britain and her Dependencies, I have found myself called upon to issue the General Order, a copy of which I have the honour to transmit to you.
Major Murray, Agent for Prisoners of war is the bearer of this Disptach and is authorised to correct any mistake which may have arisen on this subject as respects the exchange of the detachment of the 1st Regiment or Royal Scots.
He will also receive from Your Excellency any specific proposal you may have to make with regard to the exchange of General Hull as intimated in my letter to Your Excellency of the 6th of January last.
I have the honour to be
&ca &ca &ca
George Prevost.
His Excellency Major General Dearborn.
Endorsed: 1.
In Sir Geo. Prevost's No. 48 of 18th March 1813.
[ Q 121, p 136 ]
GENERAL ORDERS RESPECTING THE EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS OF WAR.
ROTAIi
Arms.
General Orders.
Adjutant General's Office, Quebec, 8th February 1813.
His Excellency Lieut. General Sir George Prevost Bart Governor
in Chief and Commander of the Forces in British North America,
having seen in the Boston Gazette of the 28th January last, a pub-
GENERAL ORDERS.
425
lication purporting to be a copy of a general order issued by the American Government, in the following terms, namely:
Adjutant General's Office, Washington City, 18th Jany 1813.
General Orders.
The following oflScers of the Army and Militia of the United States, made Prisoners of war at Detroit Queenston and elsewhere, have been duly exchanged for the officers, non-commissioned officers, Drummers, and privates taken on board His Brittannio Majesty's Transport Samuel and Sarah, on the 11th day of July 1812, vizt Brigadier General William Hull, Colonels Duncan McArthur, James Findly, and Louis Cass; Lieutenant Colonels, James Miller, John R. Fenwick, Winfield Scott, and*John Christie; Major James Taylor; Captains Nathan Heald, John Whistler, Henry B. Brevoort, Josiah Snelling, Robert Lucas, Abraham F. Hull, Peter Ogilvie, William King, Joel Cook and Return B. Brown; First Lieutenants Charles Larrabe; Second Lieutenants James Dalliba, and Daniel Hugmien, and each and all the aforesaid officers are hereby declared exchanged, and as free to act against the United Kingdom of Great Britain Ireland and the Dependencies thereof as if they had never been captured.
By order of the Secretary of War.
F. H. CUSHING,
Adjutant General.
His Excellency considers himself called upon in the most public manner, to protest against the pretended release of the above named officers from their Parole of Honour, given under their hands while Prisoners of war — His Excellency having expressly refused to accede to the exchange of the officers above named, as proposed to him by Major General Dearborn in his letter of the 26th Dec and 2d Jan* last, under the authority of the American Government, upon the identical terms contained in the order of the 18th January before referred to. His Excellency feels himself compelled hereby to declare, that he still considers those officers as Prisoners of War, on their Parole, and Should the fate of war again place any of them at the disposal of the British Government, before a regular and ratified exchange of them takes place, they will be deemed to have
* Letters of Major Gen. Dearborn to Sir George Prevost, dated Albany, Dec. 28, 1812, and January 2 1813, published in Vol. 15, pages 205 and 211, respectively. 54
426
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
broken their Parole, and to be thereby subject to all the conse- quences sanctioned by the established usages of war in the like cases.
The detachment of the 1st Eegiment of Royal Scots, captured by the U. S. J'rigate the Essex, on board the Samuel and Sarah Trans- port, who are stated in the said order of the 18th of January to have been duly exchanged for the oflScers of the American Army therein mentioned, had been previously as far back as the month of Sep- tember last, regularly exchanged for the crew of the U. S. Sloop Nautilus, and a sufficient number of other seamen belonging to the U. S. Navy, as appears by an official Communication to His Excel- lency Lieut Genl Sir J. C. Sherbrooke, K. B. commanding the forces in Nova Scotia, confirmed by a letter from Mr. Mitchell, the Amer- ican Agent of Prisoners at Halifax,^ to the Honble James Monroe, American Secretary of- State, dated the 23d of November* last; transmitted to His Excellency by Major General Dearborn, in his Letter of the 2d Jan last. The release of the said Detachment by such exchange, was published in General Orders on the 29th Sep- tember last, at Montreal, and also communicated to Major General Dearborn in His Excellency's Letter of the 11th January last, as the ground of his refusal to accede to the before mentioned pro- posal of that officer.
To avoid, however, every possibility of mistake or error upon this subject, and to prevent any further misunderstanding respecting it, His Excellency has thought proper to direct Major Murray, Agent for the exchange of Prisoners of war to proceed with a Flag of Truce to the American Head Quarters and should he be satisfied upon Enquiry, that the officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the detachment of the 1st Regiment, or Royal Scots, have not been considered by the American Government as regularly exchanged for the Crew of the U. S. Sloop Nautilus, and other Seamen belong- ing to the U. S. Navy, as before stated, Major Murray is then authorized to release from Parole an equal number of officers, non- commissioned officers and Soldiers of the Regular Troops of the American array made Prisoners of war at Detroit, Niagara or else- where, as may be agreed upon between him and Major General Dearborn.
But His Excellency cannot admit the right assumed by the Amer- ican Government, in the order before referred to, to arrange and class the exchange of Prisoners of war in such manner as may best
♦For letter of Mr. John Mitchell to James Monroe, dated Halifax, 23rd Nov. 1812, see Vol. 15, page 187.
General order.
427
suit their conveDience or advantage: All exchanges of Prisoners of war must be ratified by both parties before the release of them becomes valid, and whenever it is practicable, the exchange is to be conducted on the scale of parity of Rank and Service — oflBcers, grade for grade, Serjeant for Serjeant, Soldier for Soldier, Regular for Regular, and Militia for Militia; and the Tariff adopted for the exchange in the foregoing order, can only be admittted in cases where the Regular exchange by parity of Rank and Service cannot take place, and then only by the mutual concurrence of both parties.
Edwd. Baynes, Adjt. General, North America.
Endorsed: 2.
In Sir G. Prevost's No. 48 of 18th March 1813.
[ Q 121, p 130 ]
general okder.
Adjutant General's Office, Quebec, 8th February 1813.
General Order.
His Excellency the Commander of the Forces has the highest satisfaction in announcing to the Troops under his command, another brilliant action achieved by the gallant division of the army at Detroit, under Colonel Proctor.
Information having been received that an advanced Corps of the American Army under Brigadier General Winchester, amounting to upwards of one thousand strong, had entered and occupied French Town, about twenty -six miles South of Detroit; Colonel Proctor did not hesitate a moment, in anticipating the Enemy, by attacking this advanced Corps before it could receive support from the forces on their March under General Harrison.
At day break on the 22nd January, Colonel Proctor by a spirited and vigorous attack, completely defeated General Winchester's divi- sion, with the loss of between four and five hundred slain ; for all who attempted to save themselves by flight, were cut off by the Indian warriors; About four hundred of the Enemy took refuge in the houses of the Town, and kept up a galling fire from the win- dows, but finding further resistance unavailing, they surrendered themselves at discretion.
428
COLONIAL OFFICE RE0ORDS.
On this occsaion the gallantry of Colonel Proctor was most nobly displayed, in his humane and unwearied exertions in rescuing the vanquished from the revenge of the Indian Warriors.
The prisoners at the close of the action, amounted to 1 General, 1 Colonel, 1 Staff, 1 Major, 9 Captains, 20 Subalterns, 27 Serjeants and 435 rank & file. But the Indian Warriors were hourly bring- ing in Prisoners, and had taken a strong escort of the Enemy with five hundred Hogs.
Colonel Proctor reports in strong terms the gallantry displayed by all descriptions of Troops, and the able support he received from Colonel St George, and from all the oJQficers and men under his Command, whose spirited valour & steady discipline is above all praise.
The Indian Chief Eound Head, with his band of Warriors, ren- dered essential service by their bravery & good conduct.
It is with regret that Colonel Proctor reports the British loss amounts to twenty four killed, and one hundred and fifty eight wounded.
OflScers wounded.
Colonel St George four wounds but not severely.
Captain Tallon, I 41st Regt. Lieutenant Clemon, )
Ensign Kerr, Royal Newfoundland Regt., dangerously.
Lieutenant Rolette, )
Lieutenant Irwin, > Marine Dept.
Midshipman Richardson, )
Captain Mills, ^
Lieutenant McCormic, I
Lieut. Gordon, [Essex Militia.
Ensign Garvin,
A Royal Salute to be fired at 12 o'clock this day.
Edward Baynes, Adjutant General North America.
[ Q 120, p 189 ]
STATEMENT. 429 STATEMENT.
Comparative Statement of the British and American Forces upon the Lakes, as far as that of the Enemy -can be ascertained.
On Lake Erie.
British. Gans
The Queen Charlotte carrying 12-24 Pr. Cannonades & 4 long 9 Prs, 2 in the Bow and 2 in the Stern, ship rigged 16
The Lady Prevost, 10, 12 Prs. Cannonades and 2 long sixes one in the Bow and another in the Stern, Schooner rigged 12
The General Hunter, six long six Pounders Cutter rigged 6
34
The above are fully equipped and ready for Sea. The following
are building and may be ready to launch in June.
A Ship of 18 Guns, which it is proposed to arm with li, 12 Pr. Cannonades & four long nines, in Briddle Ports in the Bow & Stern 18
Two Decked Gun Boats, capable of mounting a long 18 Pr. each 2
Total Building... 20
Total number of Guns expected to be mounted in the vessels by the end of June or beginning of July 54
American.
The naval force of the Enemy on this Lake was all taken and destroyed last Summer; but they have been building both at Buffalo & Sandusky — It is therefore uncertain what their means may be on the opening of the navigation. There is however no reason to sup- pose that they will be enabled to meet us on the Lake as, from all the information we have been enabled to procure, their efforts have been confined to small craft, and Gun Boats &ca.
A. Gray, Act. Dy. Q. Master General.
Endorsed: 2.
In Sir G. Prevost's No. 50 of 19th March 1813.
[ Q 121, p 152 ]
430
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
MAJ. GEN. R. H. SHEAFFE TO EARL BATHURST.
My Lord, Fort George, 14th February 1813.
I have the honour of transmitting the copy of a dispatch which I have received from Colonel Procter commanding at Detroit, reports ing his having completely defeated a Corps of Americans which have advanced under the command of Brigadier General Winchester to French Town on the River Raisin, the judgment about prompti- tude displayed by Colonel Proctor, and the gallant conduct of his little corps entitle them to the highest commendation.
The enemy in this vicinity is quiet at present and does not appear to be numerous on his frontier line.
This being on all accounts the season most convenient for assem- bling the Legislature of the Province, and there being some busi- ness of an indispensable nature to be dispatched, it is summoned to meet on the twenty fifth of this month.
I have the honor to be My Lord with great respect
Your Lordship's most obedient humble Servant
R. H. Sheaffe, M. Genl. & President, &c. &c. The Right Honorable Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c.
[ Q 317, p 23 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 47.]
Niagara, 27th February 1813.
My Lord,
On my return to Fort George from inspecting the Troops on this Frontier and viewing the works which have been erected between that place and Fort Erie, and from visiting j^he advanced positions which the solid state of the ice at the Northern extremity of Lake Erie had rendered it indispensably necessary to establish, to prevent those incomplete and open Batteries from being surprized or taken in reverse I was met by an officer with Dispatches from Detroit.
Colonel Procter who is in command there informs me that he had ascertained that General Harrison had precipitately retreated from the River Raisin to the foot of the Rapids of the Miamis upon his becoming acquainted with the annihilation of Brigadier General Winchester's Army ;
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
431
When the last Scouts came in Major General Harrison with about 2000 men had arrived at his intended position on the West Bank of the River Miamis situated at about eighty miles from Detroit; But as a great part of the route to that place lies through a wilder- ness and immense swamps, which are only passable at this season of the year and with extreme diflSculty by Indians, I did not think it prudent to allow Colonel Procter to move forward with the gar- risons of Detroit and Amherstburgh and the reinforcements detached from the Niagara frontier to his support; to dislodge the American Army, from the uneasy position it had taken, because I considered the movement hazardous and one which might seriously cripple the force under Colonel Procter's command in which event not only the Michigan Territory would be exposed, but our influence with the Indian Tribes considerably diminished.
I have therefore desired that Teoumseh who with the warriors is advancing from the Forks of the Wabash should be employed in interrupting the communication with Major General Harrison's army and in intercepting the supplies and reinforcements moving towards it from Fort Wayne & Chilicothe.
The Indian Chiefs Roundhead and Norton with about eight hun- dred warriors supported by a chosen band from the 41st Regiment and the Detroit Militia were to proceed from Amherstburgh to co-operate with Tecumseh and I entertain hopes that these move- ments, would so work upon the American Army by augmenting the privations and hardships inseparable from its present situation as in all probability to render it an easy prey to the Indian force coming from the Southward under Mr. Dickson.
Having now had the honour of detailing to Your Lordship the measures I have pursued for preserving entire this portion of His Majesty's territories in British America, I humbly hope they will meet with the gracious approbation of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent —
I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's most obedient humble Servant
Geobge Peevost.
The Rt. Honble The Earl of Bathurst.
Endorsed: Niagara, 27th Feb. 1813. ^ Lieutenant General Sir Geo. Prevost, Bart. R. 1 Jane. No. 47.
General Harrison's retreat. Measures adopted for annoying him & catting off his supplies.
[ Q 121, p 122 ]
432
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 51. A.]
Quebec, 20th March 1813.
My Lord,
I do myself the honor to transmit for Your Lordship's satisfao- tion a Return of Ordinance, Ammunition and Stores which have been captured from the Enemy, since the commencement of Hostili- ties with the United States, at the different places in the Canadas therein mentioned.
And I beg leave at the same time to request that your Lordship will be pleased to move The Master General and Board of Ordnance, to cause the issue of the usual and customary valuation thereof, that a distribution of the same may be made to the Parties con- cerned in these Captures.
I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obedient and most
humble Servant
George Prevost.
The Rt. Honorable Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed; Quebec, 20th March 1813.
Lieut. Genl. Sir G. Prevost, Bart. E. 1 June. No. 51 A. Oae Inclosnre.
[ Q 121, p 155 ]
ORDNANCE TAKEN AT DETROIT. 43^
Description List of Brass & Iron Ordnance taken at Detroit, 16tli August, 1812. •
Amherstburg, 1st April, 1813.
|
Species. |
Nos. |
Length. |
Weight, |
||||
|
Feet. |
Inches. |
Cwt. |
(J |
Lbs. |
|||
|
r |
r 4 |
6 |
6 |
1 |
4 |
||
|
6 Pounders _ |
3 |
1 ^ 4 |
m 6 |
6 |
0 |
10 |
|
|
1 I 4 |
5 |
1 |
14 |
||||
|
4 " |
2 |
] |
" |
653 |
|||
|
( 4 |
im |
648 |
|||||
|
Brass -1 |
3 " _ |
1 |
3 |
1 9 |
3 |
10 8 |
|
|
8 In. Howr |
1 |
2 |
3 |
||||
|
5% " — |
2 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
17 2 |
||
|
r 1 |
IM |
2 |
|||||
|
2 9-10 |
3 |
1 |
IM |
1 |
22 |
||
|
1 ' I 1 |
1^ |
1 |
26 |
||||
|
24 Pors |
9 each... |
9 |
7 |
49 |
|||
|
( 7 each.. |
7 |
7H |
22 |
1 |
|||
|
12 " |
9 |
||||||
|
(2 " |
6 |
11 |
28 |
||||
|
9 " |
5 each... |
6 |
17 |
3 |
6 |
||
|
1 3 each.. |
5 |
10 |
16 |
1 |
|||
|
& |
4 |
||||||
|
5 |
12 |
2 |
|||||
|
S fl-10 Tn. Howr. |
1 |
1 |
9H |
1 |
2 |
6 |
|
N. B. Where the Guns or Cannonades are of the same Pattern, and differing only a few pounds in their weight, I have put them down the same.
The 8 Inch Howitzer is an American Piece cast at Philadelphia in 1777 and is mounted on a new Travelling Carriage.
The 5^ Inch Howitzer is an English Piece, the words (surren- dered by the Convention of Saratoga in 1777) are inscribed on it. The Carriage is not good.
The 2 9-10 Inch Howitzer No 1 is an American Piece cast at Philadelphia in 1793, Carriage is not good.
The 2 9-10 Inch Howitzer Nos 2 & 3 have Iron Trunnions clasped on, have no date marked on them. Their Carriages are not good. The 6 Pors. & 4 Pors have been sent down to Quebec. 55
434
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
The 3 Pounder is an English Piece oast by P. Verbruggen 1776, on it is inscribed surrendered by the capitulation gi York Town, Carriage is not good.
The 24 Pounders are good new Guns about 49 cwt each ; Five have been sent to Fort Erie with their garrison carriages. — The other four remain at this Post, Two are mounted on Travelling Carriages, and there are two other Travelling carriages unfinished but ordered by Colonel Procter to be completed.
Seven of the 12 Pounders are apparently of the same date as the 24 Pors., one of these seven has been spiked and had the Button knocked off; I have searched it and find no other reason for con- demning it than its wanting the Button, they weigh about 22 cwt each, the other two are short, heavy and clumsy — The whole of the 12 Pounders Garrison Carriages are bad, there is one unfinished 12 Por. Travelling Carriage, which is ordered to be completed.
The 9 Pounders are good new Guns, of the same Pattern and date as the 24 Pors. & 12 Pors. and weigh about 17 cwt each. The carriages are unserviceable.
Three .of the 6 Pounders are light good Guns of the same Pat- tern, date &o as the 9 Pounders and weigh about 16 cwt each. The fourth is an English Gun which was probably left in the Fort when it was ceded to the Americans in 1796, it was spiked also but there is no apparent reason for condemning it, the 6 Pounder Carriages are all unserviceable.
The 3 9-10 Inch Howitzer (Iron) is a good piece of its kind is mounted on a good Travelling Carriage, but there is no ammuni- tion for it.
N. B. Four of the 12 Pounders which were ordered to Fort Erie and with the 3 American 6 Pors. were lost in the Detroit.
Felix Troughton,
Lieut. Rl. Artillery.
Major General Glasgon, Commdg. Rl. Artillery in Canada.
[ Q 123, p 127 ]
COL. THOS. BARCLAY TO GEN. JOHN MASON.
435
COL. THOS. BARCLAY TO GEN. JOHN MASON.
[A 1.]
Washington, 12th April 1813.
Sir,
Before I enter into a Detail of the matters entrusted to my care as His Majesty's Agent for British Prisoners of war in the United States of America, permit me to assure you I am fully sensible of the candid and satisfactory manner in which both Mr. Munroe Sec- retary of State and yourself have informed me of the disposition of this Government to meet the humane Intentions of my Sovereign, in alleviating the unpleasant situation of the subjects and citizens of the two Nations, who may become Prisoners of War during the con- tinuance of the present War, and establishing on principles of reci- procity, a mode for the treatment and exchange of Prisoners, which will in all probability preclude disputes or delays in the future.
You are in possession of a Copy of my Instructions from the Com- missioners for conducting His Majesty's Transport Service, and for the care and custody of Prisoners of War, and I feel assured it will not escape your notice, that the sentiments therein expressed, comport with those of the American Government.
In obedience to my Instructions, I have to request first, that you will obtain from the President of the United States, permission for me to visit all the Depots for British Prisoners of War, as often as I may judge necessary and that the sub-Agents, by me to be appointed, and approved by the President, may have the like per- mission each to visit his particular Dep6t, similar indulgences will foe granted to all accredited American Agents, and sub Agents for Prisoners of war, within His Majesty's Dominions.
Secondly, that I may \m furnished from such Department of the American Government as the business may immediately concern, a List of all the British Subjects who are detained as Prisoners of ^ War in the United States, specifying their names, qualities, time of capture, in what ship captured, the place of their detention, or whether on parole or not respectively, as also Lists of all such as «hall have been released since the commencement of the war.
Thirdly, that I may be informed if there are any British Pris- oners now in the United States, entitled from their rank & quali- ties to the indulgence of Parole, who do not enjoy it, if so, that I may be furnished with their names, qualities. Place of confine- ment, and the cause why so confined.
436
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Fourthly in addition to the daily subsistenoe that may be allowed tc British Prisoners of war, to be agreed upon by you and me, I am directed to pay such British Prisoners of war, a small daily allowance granted, if I am not mistaken, in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, agreeably to the propositions expressed in the document accompanying this Letter, marked H. I therefore request you will have the goodness to obtain the President's consent that such allow- ances be so paid weekly to the Prisoners by my sub-Agents.
Fifthly, as it may occur during the present war between Great Britain and the United States, that British Prisoners may be carried into the Ports of the United States by French Cruizers, and that the French Minister or some other person duly authorized by him, may be willing to deliver up such British Prisoners to me, or my sub-Agents for exchange, I request you will obtain the permission of the President that I may negociate such exchanges, and may be allowed to send from the United States such Prisoners so exchanged and received, and I have further to request you will solicit as an indulgence, that I may be permitted to lodge such Prisoners of war in the nearest American DepOt for Prisoners of war, until a Cartel is ready to carry them from the United States of America, such Prisoners to be subsisted by His Britannic Majesty.
I have the honor to be &o. &o.
Thos. Barclay.
Genl. John Mason, Commissary Genl. of Prisoners.
Endorsed: 3.
Mr. Croker. 14 Ang. 1813.
[ Q 125, p 118 ]
COL. THOS. BARCLAY TO JAMES MONROB.
[A.]
George Town, 8tli May 1813.
Sir,
At the interview I had the honor to have with you on the 6tb Current, I stated that General Mason, the American Commissary General of Prisoners, had informed me it was the opinion of the President and yourself that the powers vested in me by order of His Britannic Majesty stood limited to the care of British Prisoners of War in the United States of America, and the managing exchanges of Prisoners consequently that it was beyond the limits of my appointment to Interfere in behalf of H. M. Subjects detained in
COL. THOS. BARCLAY TO JAMES MONROE.
437
these States, in consequence of the war, and who were desirous to return to the British Dominions General Mason added that he was instructed to decline any negooiations with me respecting such British Subjects, and that the communications I might have to make on this subject are to be addressed to you.
I enclose a copy of my warrant from which you will perceive that the description of Persons above mentioned are specially com- mitted to my care, & I flatter myself the President will on a peru- sal of it consider me authorized to make the necessary application in favor of them ; independant however of the wording of my war- rant, permit me, Sir, to entreat your attention to some general prin- <3iples on the care of the Subjects of a Nation who may be resident within the Jurisdiction of another at the time war is declared between two Nations and who may have continued their residence even after notice to depart. Such persons so disobeying the orders to depart are unquestionably liable to be considered and treated as Prisoners of war, and may be detained until regularly exchanged, & if they have been guilty of any improper conduct may be prose- cuted & punished — on a requisition however for exchange by the Nation to whom those persons are subjects, the Nation detaining them is bound to make the exchange requested, unless the persons stand specially with crimes or misdemeanors; if so they are to be tried, as early as convenient with justice, and if acquitted exchanged. If I am correct in the principles stated, it follows that such Subjects of His Majesty as have remained within the United States of Amer- ica subsequent to the Declaration of war, and are still here, are either at liberty to depart, or if detained either in custody or on parole, that thoy must be considered as Prisoners of War and conse- quently come under the purview of my appointment & are generally proper objects for Exchange.
It remains with the President to determine whether such of those persons as come properly under the designation of non-combatants are to be permitted to return to Great Britain without exchange or if they are to be exchanged.
You will do me a favor to communicate the above remarks to the President & in event of his acquiescence that the characters above described may be allowed to return to England, I request you will be pleased to obtain his permission that I may charter two Amer- ican vessels to take them from hence, one to depart from Charles- town, South Carolina, the other from New York or Boston; I shall
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
in such event transmit to you a list of the names and description of the Persons intended to be sent, such of them as may be con- sidered guilty of offences against these States may be detained, all others I hope will be allowed to avail themselves of the conveyances..
I have &c
Thos. Barclay.
Honble James Monroe.
Endorsed : 4-.
Mr. Croker, 15th Augt. 1813.
[ Q 125, p 187 ]
CARTEL FOR THE EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS OF WAR BETWEEN GREAT BRITAIN AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
The Provisional agreement for the Exchange of Naval Prisoners- of War, made and concluded at Halifax in the Province of Nova Scotia on the 28th day of November 1812, between the Honorable Richard John Uniacke His Britannic Majesty's Attorney and Advo- cate General for the Prbvince of Nova Scotia, and William Miller Esqr. Lieutenant in the Royal Navy and Agent for Prisoners of War at Halifax ; and John Mitchell Esqr. late Consul of the United States at St Jago de Cuba, American Agent for Prisoners of War at Halifax, having been transmitted to the Department of State of the United States for approval, and John Mason Esquire, Commis- sary General for Prisoners for the United States having been duly authorized to meet Thomas Barclay Esquire His Britannic Majesty's Agent for Prisoners of War, and for carrying on an Exchange of Prisoners for the purpose of considering and revising the said Pro- visional Agreement: and the Articles of the said Agreement having been by them considered and discussed, it has been agreed by the said Thomas Barclay and John Mason, subject to the Ratification of both their Governments, that the said Provisional agreement shall be so altered and revised as to stand expressed in the following words.
Article first. The Prisoners taken at Sea or on Land on both sides shall be treated with humanity conformable to the usage and practice of the most civilized nations during war; and such Prison- ers shall without delay, and as speedily as circumstances will admit, be exchanged on the following Terms and conditions. That is to- say, an Admiral or a General commanding in Chief shall be
CARTEL FOR THE EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS.
439
exchanged for officers of equal Rank or for sixty men each; a Vice Admiral or a Lieutenant General for officers of equal Rank or for forty men each; A Rear Admiral or a Major General for officers of equal Rank, or for thirty men each; a Commodore with a Broad Pendant and a Captain under him, or a Brigadier General for officers of equal Rank or for Twenty men each; a Captain of a Line of Battle Ship or a Colonel for officers of equal Rank or for fifteen men each, a Captain of a Frigate or Lieutenant Colonel for officers of equal Rank or for ten men each — Commanders of Sloops of War, Bomb Ketchers, Fire Ships and Packets, or a Major for officers of equal Rank, or for eight men each: Lieutenants or Masters in the Navy, or Captains in the army for officers of equal Rank or for six men each ; Masters Mates or Lieutenants in the army fpr Officers of equal Rank or for four men each ; Midshipmen, Warrant Officers, Masters of Merchant Vessels, and Captains of Private Armed Vessels or Sub-Lieutenants and Ensigns, for officers of equal Rank or for three men each; Lieutenants and Mates of Private armed Vessels, Mates of Merchant Vessels and all petty officers of Ships of War or all non-commissioned officers of the army for the officers of equal Rank, or for two men each ; seamen & private soldiers, one for the other.
Second. All non-Combatants, that is to say, Surgeons and Sur- geon's Mates, Pursers, Secretaries, Chaplains and School Masters belonging to the Army or men of War; Surgeons and Surgeon's Mates of Merchant Vessels or Privateers, Passengers and all other men who are not engaged in the Naval or Military Service of the Enemy, not being Sea faring persons, all Women & Girls & Boys under twelve years of age; every Person of the foregoing Descrip- tion or of whatever description exempt from capture by the usage and practice of the most civilized nations when at War — if taken shall be immediately released without exchange, and shall take their departure at their own charge, agreeably to passports to be granted them, or otherwise shall be put on board the next Cartel which sails; Persons found on board re-captured Ships, whatever situation they may have held in the capturing ship, shall not be considered as non-combatants. Non-combatants are not to be imprisoned, except for improper conduct, and if poor and unprovided with means to support themselves, the Government of each nation will allow them a reasonable subsistence, having respect to their Rank and Situation in Life.
440
COLONIAL OFFICE RECOEDS.
Third. American Prisoners taken and brought within any of the Dominions of His Britannic Majesty shall be stationed for exchange at Halifax in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Bridge Town in Barbadoes, Kingstown in Jamaica, Falmouth and Liverpool in England, and at no other Posts or Places. And British Prisoners taken and brought into the United States shall be stationed at Salem in Massachu- setts, Schenectaday in the State of New York, Providence in Ehode Island, Wilmington in Delaware, Annapolis in Maryland, Savannah in Georgia, New Orleans in Louisiana, and at no other Posts or Places in the United States. ^
The Government of Great Britain will receive and protect an Agent io be appointed by the Government of the United States, to reside at or near each of the before mentioned Places in the British Dominions, for the purpose of inspecting the management and care which is taken of the American Prisoners of War at each station; and the Government of the United States will in like manner receive and protect an agent to be appointed by the British Government to reside at or near each of the Stations before mentioned within the Dominions of the United States, for the like purpose of inspecting the management and care taken of the British Prisoners of War at each of the Stations. And each Government shall be at liberty to appoint an agent to reside at or near any Depot established for Prisoners by the other nation, for the purpose of taking care and inspecting the state and situation of such Prisoners, and such agents shall be protected respectively in the same manner as the Agents at the Stations for Exchange.
Fourth. Whenever a Prisoner is admitted to Parole, the form of such Parole shall be as follows.
Whereas the Agent appointed for the care and custody of War at
in has been pleased to
grant leave to the undersigned Prisoner of
War as described on the back hereof to reside in
upon condition that give parole of honor not to withdraw
from the bounds prescribed there without leave for
that Purpose from the said Agent. That
will behave decently and with due respect to the laws of this
Country, and also that will not during
continuance in either directly or indirectly carry
on a correspondence with any of the Enemies of
or receive or write any Letter or Letters whatever, but through the
CARTEL FOR THE EXCHANGE OP PRISONERS. 441
Hands of said Agent, in order that they may be read and approved
by him do hereby declare
have given parole of honor accordingly, and that
will keep it inviolably.
Dated at
|
Signature. |
Quality. |
Ships or Corps. |
Men of War, Privateer or Mercht. in which tafeen. |
and the Agent who shall take such Parole shall grant a certificate to each Prisoner so Paroled certifying the limits to which his Parole extends, ihe hours and other rules to be observed, and granting Permission to such Person to remain unmolested within such limits, and every commissioned officer in the Navy or Army, when so paroled, if in health, shall be paid by the Agent that has granted such Parole to him during the continuance thereof, the sum of three shillings ster- ling per day each, for subsistence; and all other Prisoners so paroled shall be paid each person at the rate of one shilling and six pence per day sterling at the rate of four shillings and six pence sterling per American Milled Dollar, which pay, in case of actual sickness shall be doubled to each so long as the Surgeon shall certify the continuance of such sickness; and each Sick Prisoner shall also be allowed the attendance of a nurse, in case the surgeon shall certify the person to be so ill as to require such help; all which Subsist- ence and pay is to be paid in advance twice in every week, and Prisoners who shall wilfully disobey the rules and regulations estab- lished for Prisoners on Parole may be sent to Prison. And all Eules & Eegulations to be observed by Prisoners on Parole are to be published and made known to each Prisoner. And when any Prisoner shall be allowed to depart at his own expence, if he has not a sufficiency of money for that Purpose he shall be allowed necessary money not to exceed the Parole subsistence to which he would have been entitled for one month, if he had remained. 56
442
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Fifth. And in case any Prisoner be permitted to return to hi» own Country on Parole on condition of not serving until duly exchanged such Prisoner shall sign an Engagement in the following form.
Whereas Agent for the care and custody
of Prisoners of War at has granted rae the
undersigned Prisoner described on the back hereof, permission to
return to upon condition that I give my
Parole of Honor, that I will not enter into any Naval, Military or
other Service whatever, against the or any
of the Dominions thereunto belonging, or against any Powers at
Peace with until I shall have been regularly
exchanged, and that I will surrender myself, if required by the Agent of the Government, at such Place and at such Time as may be [appointed, in case my exchange shall not be effected; and I will, until exchanged, give notice from time to time of my Place of Kesidence.
Now in consideration of my enlargement I do hereby declare, that I have given my Parole of Honor accordingly, and that I will keep it inviolably.
Given under my Hand at this day of
in the year of our Lord ,
And to the Prisoner so granted his enlargement on Parole, shall be given a Certificate and Passport specifying the Terms and Con- ditions of his enlargement and a description of his Person, and notice of such Parole agreement shall be sent to the Agent for Prisoners of War at the nearest Station to the place where such Parole shall be granted.
Sixth. In case any Prisoner of war shall become unmindful of the honorable obligation he lies under to the nation which shall have granted him his Parole, and shall violate the same, he shall be liable to th^ usages & customs observed in such cases by the most civilized nations, when at War; and either Nation shall have a right to demand from the other the surrender and restoration of any Prisoner of war who shall violate his Parole, and every just and reasonable satisfaction shall be given to the nation demanding the same to shew that if such Prisoner be not returned, it is by reason of its not being in the power of the Nation to which he originally belonged.
Seventh. No Prisoner shall be struck with the Hand, Whip-stick or any other weapon whatever; the Complaints of the Prisoners shall
CARTEL FOR THE EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS.
443
be attended to, and real grievances redressed; and if they behave disorderly, they may be closely confined, and kept on two thirds allowance, for a reasonable time, not exceeding ten days. They are to be furnished by the Government in whose possession they may be with a subsistence of sound and wholesome Provisions, consist- ing of one Pound of Beef, or twelve ounces of Pork, one pound of wheaten Bread, and a quarter a Pint of Pease or sis ounces of Eice, or a pound of Potatoes per day to each man; and of salt and vinegar in proportion of two quarts of Vinegar to every hundred day's subsistence. Or the Ration shall consist of such other meats and vegetables (not changing the proportion of meat to the vegetables and the quantity of Bread, Salt & Vinegar always remaining the same) as may from time to time be agreed on, at the several Sta- tions by the respective agents, of the two Governments as of equal nutriment with the ration first described. Both Governments shall be at liberty, by means of their respective agents, to supply their Prisoners with Clothing, and such other small allowances as may be deemed reasonable, and to inspect at all times the quality and quan- tity of subsistence for the Prisoners of their Nations respectively, as stipulated in this article.
Eighth. Every facility shall be given, as far .as circumstances will permit, tp the Exchange of Prisoners; and they shall be selected for Exchange according to the Scale hereby established, on both sides by the respective agents of the Country to which they may belong without any interference whatever of the Government in whose possession they may be, and if any Prisoner is kept back, when his Exchange shall be applied for, good and sufficient cause shall be assigned for such detention.
Ninth. To carry on a regular Exchange of Prisoners between the two Countries, four Vessels shall be employed, two of which shall be provided by the British Government, and two by the Government of the United States; and the two Vessels of each government shall be as near as possible of the burthen of five hundred tons together, and neither of them less than two hundred Tons; and shall be manned, victualled, and provided- with every necessary and conven- ience for the safe transportation of Prisoners, The expence of the two British Vessels is to be defrayed by the British Government & of the two American Vessels by the Government of the United States; when these Vessels provided, surveyed, and approved of by the proper officers of both Governments, they shall be furnished with Passports from each Government, as flags of Truce, and shall
444
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
carry^ Arms and Ammunition suflScient with a guard, not exceeding a non commissioned ojQBoer and six men to guard the Prisoners and keep them in subjection; and shall each carry one signal gun with a few charges of Powder, and shall carry a white Flag constantly at the Fore Topmast Head; the British Cartel Ships shall carry a British Ensign at the Gaff end, or Ensign Staff, and the American Ensign at the Main Topmast Head; and the American Cartel Ships shall carry the American Ensign at the Gaff end or Ensign Staff, and the British Ensign at the Main Top Mast Head. No Cartel shall be suffered to proceed to sea with less than 30 days full allowance of water & Provisions for the Ships company and the number of Prisoners embarked on board; and when such Cartels shall be established, they shall be kept at all times constantly well provided with Sails, Eigging, and every thing proper and necessary to make them staunch, safe and sea worthy; and shall be constantly employed in carrying Prisoners to and from the different Stations herein before named and appointed for the Exchange of Prisoners and when carrying American Prisoners from a British Port to an American Port, the American agent at the Port of embarkation shall direct the station at which such Prisoners shall be delivered and when carrying British Prisoners from an American Port, the British Agent shall direct at which of the British Stations such Prisoners shall be delivered. And the agents for Prisoners of War on both sides shall by agreement, settle and fix the several species of Provisions which shall constitute the daily ration to be served out to Prisoners while on board Cartels, with the value thereof, and a regular amount shall be kept of the number of days each Prisoner shall have been victualled on board each Cartel and the British Government shall pay at that rate the expence and cost of victual- ling the British Prisoners delivered at a British Station and so the American Government shall, in like manner pay at the same rate the daily charge for victualling the American Prisoners delivered at an American Station ; but no charge is to be introduced for the transportation or carriage of Prisoners as each nation is to furnish for that service an equal number of Tons of shipping. No Cartel shall be permitted to remain in Port more than ten days after her arrival unless delayed by winds or weather, or the order of the commanding officer of the Station at which she may be, whether British or American. And in future Cartels shall, on no account, unless driven by stress of weather or some other unavoidable neces- sity put into any British or American Port, save the Ports hereiri
CARTEL FOR THE EXCHANGE OP PRISONERS.
44&
before appointed for the exchange of Prisoners; unless specially agreed upon by the principal agents of the two Governments, and in case the number of Vessels now agreed on, to be provided as Cartels shall be found insufficient the number may be encreased, and so in like manner diminished, by agreement, as the occasion may require, each Nation always furnishing an equal share of the Tonnage necessary.
Tenth. Until regular Cartels shall be provided as stipulated in the foregoing article, the transportation of Prisoners is to be con- ducted and paid for by each Nation, according to the method hitherto observed in the present war; and after regular Cartels are established, in case a number of Prisoners, not less than one hun- dred, may be collected at any British or American Port, different from the Ports beforenamed, a temporary Cartel may be fitted out by order of the Commanding officer at such Port or Ports, for the purpose of carrying such Prisoners, if British, to one of the British Stations before named and if American to one of the American Stations before named and to no other Port or Place — 'provided always that such Cartel shall bring at least one hundred Prisoners and shall receive an equal number in exchange, with liberty to return with them to any Port of the Nation to which she belongs; and the Prisoners so delivered in Exchange on board such temporary Cartel, shall be certified to one of the regular stations of Exchange, when they shall be credited to the Nation so delivering them in Exchange, whether they arrive at the Port of destination or not. But should there not be an equal numj?er at such Station to exchange for the number brought, the transportation in such tem- porary Cartel must be paid for so many Prisoners as shall not be exchanged.
Eleventh. Commanders of all public Ships of War of either of the two Nations shall be permitted to send Flags of Truce into any of the established Stations for Exchange of Prisoners of the other Nation, with Prisoners to be delivered to agent for Prisoners of War of the Nation to which such Port belongs, and the Agent receivings them shall give a Receipt for them, specifying their names, quality when and in what Ship taken; and the Prisoners so delivered shall be placed to the credit of the Nation sending them.
Twelfth. Commanders of Ships of War, Captains of Privateers and Letters of Marque of either of the two Nations shall be permitted to send Prisoners belonging to the other Nation, in neutral Vessels- to any of the Stations for Exchange aforementioned of the Nation
446
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
i;o which the Prisoners belong; and they shall be delivered to the Agent and receipted for in the same manner as is directed and expressed in the eleventh Article; and the Prisoners when delivered shall be placed to the Credit of the Nation sending them in the neutral Vessel. The expences incurred under this and the eleventh article are to be paid by the Nation sending the Prisoners and the Prisoner so embarked in neutral Vessels shall be permitted to pro- ceed to the Port of Destination without molestation or other inter- ruption by the Subjects or citizens of either of the Nations.
Thirteenth. Lists shall be exchanged by the Agents on both sides, of the Prisoners hitherto delivered, and after such Lists are adjusted and signed agreeably to the rule of Exchange hereby established, the Persons named therein shall be considered as liberated and free to serve again, as well as those heretofore exchanged, notwithstand- ing any Parole or Engagement they may have previously entered into, and in future Prisoners embarked in a Cartel belonging to the Nation sending such prisoners shall not be credited to the Nation so sending them until they are delivered at one of the Sta- tions of the Nation to which such Prisoners belong, and a receipt is obtained from the proper Agent for such a Delivery. But where the Prisoners and Cartel both belong to the same Nation, the deliv- ery shall take place and receipts be given at the Post of Embarka- tion, provided that the delivery shall not be considered complete until the Cartel is in the act of departing the Port, and the Nation delivering the Prisoners shall retain the custody of them by main- taining a sufficient guard on board the Cartel until she is actually under way, when the Receipt shall %e duly executed & delivered— And when special Exchanges are negociated in discharge of special paroles, a certificate of such Exchange must be forwarded to the Station where the Parole was granted.
Fourteenth. If either Nation shall at any time have delivered more Prisoners than it has received, it is optional with such Nation to stop sending any more Prisoners on Credit, until a return shall be made equal in number to the balance so in advance.
Fifteenth. This Cartel is to be submitted for Ratification to the Secretary of State for and in behalf of the Government of the United States, and to the Right Honourable the Lords Commis- sioners of the Admiralty for and in the behalf of the Government of Great Britain, and if approved by the Secretary of State of the United States, shall be provisionally executed until the assent or
OBSERVATIONS ON CARrEL FOR EXCHANGE OP PRISONERS. 447
Dissent of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty of Great
Britain be known. And it is further agreed that after the mutual Ratification of this
Cartel, either of the parties, on six months notice to the other,
may declare and render the same null and no longer ] binding.
In witness whereof, we the undersigned, have hereunto set our Hands and Seals, at Washington this twelfth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirteen. [ L. s. ] Thos. Baeclay,
[ L. s. ] . J. Mason.
iBndorBed: 3.
Mr. Croker, 15 Angt. 1813.
[ Q 125, p 16S]
OBSEBVATIONS ON THE CARTEL FOR THE EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS OF WAR.
Observations on the Cartel for the Exchange of Prisoners of War between Great Britain and the United States of America settled between Thomas Barclay Esqr. and John Mason Esqr. at Wash- ington on the 12th of May 1813.
Art. 1. The value of the several Ranks of officers is fixed in this article, and the scale laid down, differs, in some respects, from that established in the last and former was between this Country and France, so that in the case of Major General Bishop, who was taken in His Majesty's Ship Java, who was exchanged by us as equal to Twenty common men, we should be obliged if this Cartel were ratified, to give ten men more as by the present scale, a Major Gen- eral is equal to Thirty men; but the principal objection is, that it makes the Captain of a Frigate, of inferior value to a Line of Battle Ship, thus giving an evident advantage to the United States.
Art. 2. This Article relates to Non-Combatants and as far as it goes it is objectionable, but it would be proper to add, that no person whatever, excepting the Surgeon, taken in a Privateer, is to be considered as a Non-Combatant.
Art. 3. This Article specifies the places in the British Dominions, and in the United States at which Prisoners shall be exclusively ''stationed for exchange,'^ and states that American Prisoners shall be stationed for Exchange at Falmouth and Liverpool and at no other Place in England, but as there is no DepOt for Prisoners at either of those Ports, the fulfilment of this article would be attended
448
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
with very great expence & Inconvenience — Mr. Barclay was informed that Falmouth and Liverpool would be the only Ports open for American Cartels to come to, but he had no reason for considering that American Prisoners would be kept at those Places.
Art. 4. This Article relates entirely to the treatment of Officers in the Country in which they are detained as Prisoners of War, on Parole, and is founded on the Instructions to the British Agents for Prisoners of War at Foreign Stations; but as it stipulates that the allowances of 3 s per Diem, now given to officers at those Sta- • tions, shall be extended to Britain where the allowance at present to such officers is only Is 6 d the article entails a considerable additional expence, & it is therefore worthy of consideration. The allowances proposed to be made in cases of sickness, are quite; unusual in this Country, & apparently unnecessary.
Art. 5. Relates to the terms on which officers are to be allowed to return to their respective countries on Parole, and is drawn up agreeably to the Instructions given to Mr. Barclay.
Art. 6. In this Article it is declared that if either Nation demand the Eeturn or restoration of a Prisoner, "every just and reasonable *' satisfaction shall be given to the nation demanding the same, to ** shew, that if such Prisoner be not returned it is by reason of it's- ** not being in the power of the Nation to which he originally "belonged;" This stipulation appears to be scarcely sufficiently explicit to prevent cavilling.
Art. 7. Relates to the treatment of Prisoners of War in confine^ ment, and in it Mr. Barclay has thought proper without any authority to stipulate for a total change of the Rations to Prisoners of War..
This Article therefore appears highly objectionable.
Art. 8. In this Article it is declared " that if any Prisoner is "kept back when his Exchange is applied for, good and sufficient "cause shall be assigned for his detention." Mr. Barclay wa& informed that a similar stipulation in the Provisional Cartel made at Halifax, was objected to by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.
Art. 9. This article provides that four Vessels shall be employed as Cartels, two at the charge of each Government: and with respect to reciprocity it is certainly unobjectionable, but although the stipu- lated arrangements might be very proper for carrying on the Exchange of Prisoners between the United States and the British Settlements in America & the West Indies, yet there is reason to doubt its sufficiency with respect to the conveyance of Prisoners to-
JAMES MONROE TO COL. THOMAS BARCLAY.
449
& from England. At any rate water & provisions for thirty days -would not be sufficient for Vessels thus employed.
Art. 10. Relative to Exchanges by temporary Cartels is unobjec- tionable.
Articles 11 & 12. These Articles militate against the decision of the Admiralty not to ratify exchanges made at Sea, and as they give great encouragement to privateering on the Shores of the British Dominions they appear to be inadmissible.
Articles 13, 14, 16. Unobjectionable.
Endorsed: 6.
Mr. Croker's 15 Augt. 1813.
[ Q 125, p 194 ]
JAMES MONROE TO COL. THOMAS BARCLAY.
[B.]
Department of State, May 12th 1813.
Sir,
I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 8th Inst relative to the Subjects of His Britannic Majesty, residing in the United States at the commencement of the War, who declined Teturning to Great Britain within the time prescribed by Law, you intimate that you consider these, either as non-combatants, entitled io permission to depart at pleasure, or as Prisoners of war entitled to be exchanged. In either case you infer that you are authorized by your Commission and Instructions to interfere in their behalf.
I have to observe, that these Persons cannot be regarded in either of the characters suggested in your letter — ^They are neither Non-Combatants nor Prisoners of War in the sense in which the terms are used by the two Governments, the sole difference between a Non-Combatant and a Prisoner of War is, that the latter being taken since the war by one of the Parties, may be detained until he is exchanged, whereas the former must be discharged without exchange.
It is obviously essential to the character of both that they may be made Prisoners by military operations after the declaration of war.
The British Subjects alluded to having been here at the time the war declared, belong to neither of those Classes of Prisoners. & hav- ing failed to depart within the term prescribed by Law, have now no right to that indulgence.
57 .
450
COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS.
Whether any of these Persons may be permitted to leave the Country at any time hereafter during the war is a question which may depend on circumstances. It cannot be doubted that the utmost attention will be shewn to the rights of humanity, & even to their convenience, which their conduct and the welfare of the United States will permit.
But when the desolating nature of the war which is carried on by the British forces, & the Savages connected with them, on the frontiers, and by the maritime forces along the Coast, is consider'd, the President deems it very improper to permit persons from every part of the Country heretofore enjoying almost equal rights with American Citizens, to carry with them to the Enemy the Intelli^ gence which their situation has enabled them to acquire.
Whether your powers extend to what concerns this class of British Subjects is not material in the view which is here taken of the subject. I am persuaded however, that the Exchange and relief of Prisoners of war and of persons connected with military Service are the only objects which they include.
I have &c
Jas. Monroe.
Thomas Barclay, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: 5.
Mr. Cioker, 15 A.ngt. 1813.
[ Q 125, p 191 ]
COL. THOS. BARCLAY TO THE COMMISSIONERS FOR TRANSPORTS. [No. 2.]
Harlaem, NEAR New York, 20th May 1813.
Sirs, •
Kef erring to my Letter of the 15th April of which a Duplicate is inclosed, I have now the honor to enclose to you the agreement * entered into between John Mason Esqr. Commissary General of Prisoners on the part of the United States, and myself as His Majesty's Agent for Prisoners of War. I forward these for your consideration, and to be laid before the Lords of the Admiralty, and the other proper Departments of State.
As this arrangement is of a nature not of sufficient magnitude to require the Ratification of His Royal Highness, it was proposed by the President of the United States, that it should be ratified on
* For Cartel Agreement eee page 488.
COL. THOS. BARCLAY TO COMMISSIONERS FOR TRANSPORTS. 461
the part of the United States, by the American Secretary of State, and on the part of His Majesty by the Lords of the Admiralty. A copy of this Agreement, with the Ratification by Mr. Monroe, the American Secretary of State will be forwarded by him to their Lordships, and if no objection lay to the Agreement, their Lord- ships will transmit a copy ratified by them to this Government. It may however be prudent to delay the Ratification until Sir George Prevost communicates to the Secretary of State, his opinion, to whom I send a copy, and I have submitted it to Admiral Sir John Warren who approves thereof.
I am sending the British Prisoners from hence as fast as the Cartels arrive; and the instant I am in possession of all the Lists and Receipts of American Prisoners delivered or sent to America, I shall proceed to a general Exchange. I have written on this subject to the agents of your Board, in the West Indies, Halifax & Ber- muda, and to Sir George Prevost it is also necessary that I am furnished with Lists & Receipts from your Board, and returns of British Prisoners, if any received by you in Britain.
I learn there is a disagreement betwen Sir George Prevost and this Government on the subject of the Exchange of Prisoners, in consequence of which I have declined any Military Exchanges until I hear fully from him. I request your Instructions on the subject of Naval and Military Exchanges, how far it is your wish I should keep them distinct, or whether I shall exchange them indiscriminately. The American Commissary General of Prisoners has not yet been able to furnish me with his List of British Prisoners, whenever he does so a copy shall be transmitted to you.
I beg leave to call your attention to the inclosed Copies of Let- ters A and B. On my arrival here on the 1st of April, I was informed that a number of respectable British Subjects, principally merchants, whose aflPairs at the Declaration of war by these States, compelled them to remain here, and who continued in America, after the six month's leave given them by these States for their Departure, had been ordered by this Government to remove from the Sea Port Towns, their former Residences, and reside on Parole forty miles from Tide Water in the interior of the Country. Many of them were desirous to return to His Majesty's Dominions, and all the others to their former abodes — with respect to the latter I did not conceive myself entitled during war, to interfere, but with regard to the former, I applied to the American Commissary Gen- eral of Prisoners, and required their delivery to me as Non-Com-
452
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
batants, and for two Flags of Truce to coDvey them from these States.
During the correspondence on this subject, on an application by the American Commissary to the President for Instructions, he directed him to cease any further Communications with me on this subject, and to inform me he was of opinion my appointment did not extend to this description of Persons; but that if I had any- thing to communicate on the subject, I must address myself to the Secretary of State, who would return me an answer. I therefore wrote him a Letter whereof the enclosed Document marked A* is a Copy; to which I received his answer, a Copy whereof marked Bf is also enclosed.
You will perceive the Secretary of State refuses to consider them Prisoners of war, and that he hints at retaining them as fit subjects to be hereafter used for retaliating measures, should this Govern- ment think proper to resort to them ; and that he denies my authority to interfere. On reverting to your warrant of my appoint- ment, I think you will agree with me that words cannot be more appropriate to express my Superintendance and care of these gen- tlemen, but you will notice that in my Letter to the Secretary of State I do not express this point, but take a stronger and more extensive ground, to wit that every man deprived of his liberty was a Prisoner. My right to act in this instance, being denied by this Government, I have returned to Mr. Monroe a general answer, informing him, I had submitted the correspondence to my govern- ment for consideration and Directions; I shall therefore wait your orders. It remains with His Majesty's Government, whether they will not treat the Citizens of the United States, now in the United Kingdoms, in a similar manner, and hold them Prisoners to respond the treatment the British Subjects now here, may receive from the United States.
The president has thought proper for the present not to allow me to come within less than two miles of the City of New York, it being considered a Military Post; I am not otherwise restricted. This limitation will not be attended with Inconvenience.
I have made an Exchange of the officers and men of the Amer- ican Sloop Viper, for the officers and men of His Majesty's late Sloop Peacock, and a few officers and men of other British Ships to make the Exchange equal, but as the Peacock men are not yet
* For Letter of Col. Thos. Barclay to James Monroe, see page 436. t For Letter of James Monroe to Col. Thomas Barclay see page 449.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
453
embarked and casualties may occur, I do not send you the Exchange by the present conveyance, as alterations may be necessary which is provided for in the Eeceipts.
I have the honor to be Sirs
Your most obedient
humble Servant
Thos. Baeolay.
Commissioners for Transports, &ca. &ca. &ca.
Endorsed: 2.
Mr. Croker, X5 Augt. 1813.
[ Q 125, p 156 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 63.]
Head Quarters, Kingston, Upper Canada, 26th May 1813.
My Lord,
I have the honor to report to Your Lordship the arrival at Que- bec on the 15th Inst of six Troops of the 19th Light Dragoons & the 2nd Battn. of the 41st Kegt. Major General Glasgon whom I left in command of that Fortress, informs me, that in pursuance of the instructions I had transmitted to him, he will lose no time in pressing forward that portion of the 41st Eegt. considered most fit for active service, consisting of about four hundred men, & that the Boys will be retained for garrison duty.
He also reports having made arrangements for sending on the Dragoons. This intelligence of a reinforcement to the Forces has not failed to cheer the army employed in maintaining in Upper Canada a most unequal contest, and although the period of the arrival of this small portion of Infantry in this Province, must, when measured by our impatience, appear remote still the knowl- edge of their approach will be attended by highly beneficial con- sequences to His Majesty's Interests in the Canadas.
The growing discontent & undissembled dissatisfaction of the mass of the people of Upper Canada, in consequence of the effects of the Militia Laws upon a population thinly scattered over an exten- sive range of Country, whose zeal was exhausted and whos exertions had brought want and ruin to the doors of many, & had in various
454
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
instances produced a considerable emigration of settlers to the United States from whence most of them originally came, have compelled me for the preservation of the Province to bring forward my best and reserved Soldiers, to enable me to support the positions we hold in the Niagara and Detroit Frontier. I have been also induced to adopt this measure from the further consideration that the Militia had been considerably weakened by the frequent desertion of even the well disposed part of them to their farms, for the purpose of getting seed into the ground before the short summer of this coun- try had too far advanced,
It is an act of Justice and my duty to state to Your Lordship for the gracious consideration of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, that in the Niagara command Colonel Vincent has displayed superior talents and abilities, & a determination worthy of a British Soldier; & that in that of Detroit Colonel Procter has been so fortunate as to have had frequent opportunities of evincing sound military judgment, and a happy decision in all the various difficulties attendant on his situation in a remote & occasionally inaccessible district of this Province — both these officers being old Colonels are acting as"*, Brigadiers General until His Royal Highness's pleasure is known. The Enemy continuing to avail themselves of their Naval ascend- ancy on Lake Ontario left Sackett's Harbour on the 20th inst & have appeared off Fort George with sixteen Vessels laden with Troops which they disembarked on the following day in the rear of their fort at Niagara.
I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obedient
Humble Servant
George Prevost.
The Right Honble The Earl of Bathurst.
Endorsed:
Kingston, Upper Canada, 26 May 1813. Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 63. R. 24 Joly.
[ Q 121, p 227 J
MAJOR GEO. TAYLOR TO GENERAL STOVIN.
455
MAJ. GEN. H. DEARBOKN TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
Head Quarters, Fort George, May 31st, 1813.
His Excellency Lieut General Sir George Prevost Bart Command- ing His Britannic Majesty's Land Forces &c. &c. &c.
Sir,
R. G. Beasly Esqr. our Commissary of Prisoners in London has made it known to my government that twenty three Soldiers of the 1st 6th and 13th Kegiments of United States Infantry made pris- oners have been sent to England and held in close confinement as British Subjects; and I am instructed by my Government to put into close confinement twenty three British Soldiers to be kept as Hostages for the safe keeping and restoration on exchange of the Soldiers of the United States who have been sent as above stated to England.
I now therefore have the honor to apprize Your Excellency that in obedience to the instructions from my Government I have put twenty three British Soldiers in close confinement to be kept as Hostages in the manner above related.
I have the honor to be with high consideration & respect Your Excellency's
obedient & humble Servant
H. Dearborn,
Majr. General, Commanding the U. S. Forces on the Frontiers.
Eodorsed:
Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 66. 6 Jane 1813.
[ Q 121, p 269 ]
MAJ. GEO. TAYLOR TO MAJOR GEN. STOVIN.
Isle aux Noix, 3d June 1813.
Sir,
In the absence of Lieut Colonel Hamilton, I have the honor to acquaint you that one of the Enemy's armed Vessels was discerned from the garrison at half past five o'clock this morning, when I judged it expedient to order the three Gun Boats under weight, and before they Eeached the point above the Garrison, another vessel appeared in sight where the Gun Boats commenced firing; observing the vessels to be near enough the shore for musquetry I ordered the Crews of two Batteaux and row Boats (which I took
456
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
with me from the garrison to act according to circumstances) to land on each side the Kiver and take a position to rake the ves- sels; the firing was briskly kept up on both sides (the Enemy with small arms & Grape Shot occasionally) near the the close of the action an Express came off to me in a Canoe, with intelligence that more armed vessels were approaching, and about three thousand men from the Enemy's Lines, by Land; on this information I returned, to put the [Garrison in the best order for their reception, leaving directions with the Gun Boats and parties, not to suffer their Eetreat to be cutt off from it, and before I reached the garrison the Enemy's vessels struck their Colours, after a well contested action of three hours & a half; they proved to be the United States armed vessels Growler and Eagle, burthen from 90 to 100 Tons and carry- ing eleven Guns each, between them, twelve 18 and Ten 6 Pounder Canonades: completely equipped under the orders of the senior officer of the Growler, Captain Sidney Smith, with a complement of Fifty men each; they had one man killed, and eight severely wounded:
We had only three men wounded one of them severely, from the Enemy's Grape Shot on the parties on shore — the alacrity of the garrison on this occasion calls forth my warmest approbation. Ensigns Dawson, Gibbon, and Humphrey's, and acting Quarter Master Pilkington and crews of the 100th (Prince Kegent's) Regi- ment; and Lieutenant Low of the Marine Department, with three Gunners of the Royal Artillery to each Boat, behaved with the greatest Gallantry, and am particularly indebted to Captain Gordon of the Royal Artillery and Lieutj Williams, with the parties of the 100th Regiment on shore, who materially contributed to the surren- der of the Enemy.
The Growler is arrived at the Garrison, in good order and apparently a fine vessel, and the Boats are employed in getting off the Eagle, which was run aground to prevent her sinking; I have hopes she will be saved, but in the meantime have had her dis- mantled, her Guns and Stores brought to the Garrison — Ensign Dawson of the 100th Reigment, a most intelligent officer, will have the honor of delivering you this.
I have the honor to be. Sir
Your most obedt humble Servant
Geo. Taylor, Major (100th Regt.).
Major General Stovin, Commanding at Chambey. [ Q 121, p 281 ]
RETURN OF ORDNANCE AND AMMUNITION.
457
Number of Men killed, wounded and Prisoners, on board the United States armed vessels, Growler and Eagle, 3d June 1813.
Killed 1
Wounded severely 8
Prisoners 91
100
Endorsed: ^3:;::^:::^
Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 68. 12th June 1813.
[Q121, p 284]
Carriages with Breeching ^ & Tackles complete __
RETURN OF ORDNANCE AND AMMUNITION.
Return of Ordnance Ammunition and Ordnance Stores taken on board the United States Armed Vessels Eagle and Growler, on the morning of the 3d June 1813.
r 18 Pounders Shot 2 Two
Ordnance Iron 6 Pounders 10 Ten
18 Pounders Cannonades-- 10 Ten
18 Pounders 2 Two
6 Pounders 10 Ten
18 Pounders Canonades- _ 10 Ten
. c 18 Pounders 8 Eight
ompions I g Pounders 12 Twelve
Beds and Coins 8 — 12
Musquets 69 Sixty-nine
Bayonets 60 Sixty
Pistols 12 Twelve
Cutlashes 43 Forty three
Boarding Axes 31 Thirty one
Boarding Pikes 23 Twenty three
Pouches and Belts 61 Sixty one
Side Belts 20 Twenty
( 18 Pounder 9 Nine
Spunges and liammers- 1 ^ ^ , rr, • ^ ( 6 Pounders 10 Ten
(18 Pounder 7 Seven
Wadhooks & Ladles. __ i ^ ^ , o -n.- i ^
( 6 Pounder 8 Eight
Lint Stocks 12 Twelve
58
458
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Cartridges filled with
Powder
Shot.
Kound
Case
Grape
Iron Pintails for grape Shot
Port Fire Sticks 4 Four
Handspikes 3 Three
C 18 Pounder 166 One hundred
& sixty six
I 6 Pounder, fixed to case shot 72 Seventy two
^ . , , (18 Pounder 100 One hundred
Cartridges empty_..__. j ^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^^^
Cartridges — Musquet Ball , 230 Two hundred
& thirty
Powder — whole Barrels . 1 One
r 18 Pounder 129 One hundred
& twenty nine
6 Pounder 180 One hundred
& eighty
3 Pounder 28 Twenty eight
18 Pounder 20 Twenty
6 Pounder ^ 72 Seventy two
18 Pounder 83 Eighty three
6 Pounder 3 Three
18 Pounder 36 Thirty six
6 Pounder 41 Forty one
Tubes, Tin 14 Fourteen
Port Fires 4 Four
Slow Match, lbs 12 Twelve
Powder Horns 9 Nine
Copper 3 Three
^ Tin 12 Twelve
Crow Bars 10 Ten
Scissors, pairs 1 One
Claw Hammers 1 One
Fred Gordon,
Capt. Koy. Artillery.
Major Taylor, Commg. Isle aux Noix.
Lan thorns.
N. B. The Ammunition & Stores on board the Armed vessel Eagle being under water no account has yet been taken of them.
[ Q 121, p 285 ]
EXTRACT.
459
ORDERS RESPECTING THE SHIP ROBT. BURNS, GIVEN BY JAMES MONROE,
SECRETARY OF STATE.
[A. 2.]
The President of the United States having granted permission to the Ship Robt. Burns of the Burthen of 347 Tons per Register, whereof Thomas Parson is Master to proceed from the Port of New York in the United States as a Cartel for the Purpose of convey- ing to the Port of Liverpool in the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Ireland certain British Prisoners of War and also for the purpose of returning thence to the said Port of New York in the like character of a Cartel with American Prisoners of War and with the Family of John Richardson represented to be at this time resid- ing at Liverpool aforesaid: these are therefore ta request all Naval and Military oflScers of the United States, Commanders of private armed vessels holding commissions under authority of the same and all others whom it may concern, not to offer to the said Ship Robt. Burns so* burthened & commanded and proceeding as a Cartel aforesaid any hindrance or molestation whatsoever, but on the con- trary to afford her both in going and returning every necessary & proper aid and assistance.
In faith whereof I, James Monroe, Secretary of State for the United States have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office.
Given at the City of Washington this third Day of June in the
Year of Our Lord 1813 and of the Independence of the United
Sates the 37th.
» Jas. Monroe,
Secretary of State.
Endorsed: 9.
Mr. Croker, 14 Augt. 1813.
[Q 125, p 142]
EXTRACT.
Extract of a Letter from Montreal dated 7th June 1813.
The first Ships from Quebec are to sail on the 10th Inst, at least a month later than I expected, for I thought our Governor would have been so solicitous to send off a Vessel early with an account of our political situation which must excite a little interest even in England.
460
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Since the navigation opened in April the Enemy has carried on his operations unmolested for the subjugation of the Upper Prov- ince— The recent surrender of Niagara has gone far towards the completion of his wishes, as we thereby are out off from all com- munication with the Country beyond it, and I am very apprehen- sive that in return for the bravery and gallant conduct of General Procter who has so successfully fought and so repeatedly beat the Enemy and who with very little assistance has hitherto kept pos- session of not only our own Territory but that of Michigan, he is doomed to become the prey of an over whelming Force, or be forced to surrender for want of supplies of Provisions and Ammu- nition. He may save himself if the Indians soon join him in force, by pushing off to* River La Tranche and uniting with General Vin-- cent at the head of Lake Ontario, but it is dubious if the latter will be able to maintain his position, and it is certain he will not, if we do not beat the Enemy on the Lake. A failure in the latter instance would enable the Americans to land Troops and cut him off from Kingston, which would be a fatal blow to him and Gen- eral Procter — Our Ships have sailed to supply our little Army with Provisions and Ammunition.
An attempt may perhaps be made by General Vincent to go to the assistance of Procter, but it would be a bold measure, & its success in keeping Detroit &o must depend on their being strongly supported by the Indians.
Dickson is expected to arrive at Detroit with a considerable num- ber about this time, but I am afraid they will be indifferent when they find us without supplies and hear of our disasters lower down.
As the events that have been passing in this Province since the commencement of the War seem to have excited little or no alarm for our safety, it may be that Government will be a little surprised when they learn what has happened. But that will be singular, for the Enemy has proclaimed his intentions, his preparations have been seen and known since October last, if not sooner, & nothing else could be expected. Believe me, that after General Brock defeated Hull, and rendered abortive the designs of the American Govt, on the breaking out of the American War, every misfortune which has befallen us has arisen from the infatuation of our own Government in not sending Troops and a few Sailors to the Prov- ince, and rendering not only unavailing but injurious to us (by exhausting our small force) the very victories that we have so hardly and with so much difficulty obtained. —
EXTRACT.
461
At the oommenoemeDt of the War we had on Lake Ontario five fine ships carrying from ten to twenty Guns, when the Enemy had only one 18 Gun Brig, and four or five paltry Schooners.
Strange however to relate, we had not a Sailor nor Captain to command them that had ever seen a shot fired, & when sent to capture with our whole Force the Enemy's Brig they ran away because a 82 Pounder was fired at them from the shore and they were afraid it would hit their vessels. It is also a fact that two of our Vessels of 12 & 15 Guns each would not approach a Schooner with one Gun and the latter got off in triumph loaded too with Military Stores — When the Enemy found us thus despicable they set seriously about recruiting their Navy, and had so far succeeded by the end of Oct that they took all our Merchant Ships but one, and blockaded our Ships of War, in Kingston. Had Government been pleas'd during the Summer to have sent us about 250 Sailors to fight our Ships, the force of the Enemy would have been anni- hilated, this Harbor render'd useless, and they never could have had it in their power to enter into competition with us on the Lakes, where they have only one Fort. Thtis the very foundation of our misfortunes would have been destroyed, for without Ships they could not have collected such large bodies of Troops at any given place, nor have made any descent on our side of the Lake, nor yet have prevented us from reinforcing, as was required, such points as they threaten 'd with attack. But not a Sailor was sent us till this Spring, and tho' they arrived after a most fortunate passage & were sent off with uncommon expedition and exertion, yet they were only 450 in number and the blow was struck before- hand. This deficiency of Sailors was soon perceived, bat other causes within our own Control succeeded to distress us. The first was the Armistice between General Prevost and General Dearborn, whereby Genl. Brock was stopped in the career of victory, and the Enemy got time to strengthen then their works, collect their forces and prepare for us [the battle of Niagara in Oqtober. This san- guinary Contest, in which that excellent and ever to be lamented Officer, General Brock lost his life, was so favorable for us, that the whole of the Enemy were kill'd or taken, and what did his successor Major General Sheaffe do? He liberated all his Prisoners, but the Kegulars, & made an immediate Armistice to give them time to collect Forces for another attack. This they did in the face of our Garrison which could have destroyed their whole fortifications and
462
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
taken their cannon with only 100 men, so reduced were they after the action.
But as soon as General Smyth had collected 6 or 7000 men and brought his Boats to a convenient spot for crossing, he informed us that the armistice was at an end, and again attack'd us. He was defeated and their line was subsequently left to the care of about 500 men & could easily have been taken, but as on all former occa- sions we were not allowed to attack them. " We would irritate them," said some of our wise men, "and that would unite them, and then they would be sure to conquer us." The same policy has been adopted by our Government throughout. They have allowed the Enemy to inflict misery on us when & where he chose, and have prevented us from retaliating when in our power. In one solitary instance, at Ogdensburgh, we retaliated, and the Governor's General order apologized for it. Till the end of February the whole of the Enemy's Navy lay in Sackett's Harbour guarded by about 500 men, and tho' only about 40 miles distant from Kingston and at least 2000 men could easily have been sent over, yet the golden opportunity was neglected, the Enemy perceiv'd his danger, and sent several thousand Troops to guard against it.
From that time they began their preparations which have ended in the capture of our whole line, with all our valuable stores, Guns, & Provisions at Niagara, with the sacrifice of 3 to 400 vialuable lives & the pillage and ruin of all the Inhabitants in that part of the Country. The grand outset at York cost them (the Enemy) 700 men, that of Port George near 3 to 4,000, so that they have not obtained a bloodless conquest. ^
Another and very serious piece of misconduct on our part was the building a new Ship (a Frigate) at York, where there was neither fortifications nor Troops to defend it, and where it could be destroyed without the Enemy's landing. There was not a man in the country besides them who laid it down, that did not predict that it would be burnt on the opening of the navigation, & such was the unhappy fate of this ship, that had it not been burnt, it was next to certain there was not water to launch it, or soil that would support the ways; for Tides do not rise in Lakes, and a deep marsh is not well calculated for supporting a heavy weight. It would also have been necessary that we should be masters of the Lakes to be enabled to transport to York the Guns, Anchors, Cables & other materials, and if previously masters of the Lake there was no occasion to build that ship.
EXTRACT.
463
The expense of building there was also double what it would have been at Kingston, where it would have been in company with the rest of our Ships and in perfect security.
This Ship which if we had guns and Sailors would now have been ready to go out, would undoubtedly have made us complete masters on the water, and the want of it may not only occasion our defeat but endanger or even cause the loss of Upper Canada.
With such Ships as we possess Sir Jas Yeo sailed from Kings- ton to assist General Vincent, on the 3d Inst, and if Commr. Chauncey with his 19 Sail against our six feels bold, a battle must very soon take place. I have all the confidence in Sir James that his high character deserves, and hope success, tho' the odds in Ships, metal and men, are much against him. I am not yet of opinion because the American Frigates have beat ours that we are not superior to them, and tho' Chauncey is deem'd a good officer I think Sir James is at least his match. A drawn battle will not suit us, for the Enemy can soon recruit both Ships and men, but we cannot. We have only a Schooner on the Stocks, they have a Frigate.
If Chauncey does not come out till the new Frigate is ready, which will be in a month, we shall be badly off, for he will then have a superiority we cannot oppose. We ought in such case to send 3 or 4000 men down to Sackett's Harbour, and I am confident with the assistance of our Fleet we will destroy them. If we can du that we may recover Niagara, but I am afraid we cannot do it otherwise.
Indeed it would be folly to attempt it with less than 4000 Regu- lars, aided by our Fleet, the Militia and Indians.
The Americans have at least 10,000 men on our side, and can destroy Batteries, carry off Guns, and render the Post untenable, but by superior numbers. If the Enemy beats our Fleet we must try to keep Kingston which it will be difficult to do, as they can out off the communication between that place and Montreal, and prevent supplies from being forwarded. Thus our situation is not the most agreeable, and we have little prospect of its being better. A great part of the intended reinforcements for this Country is to come from Halifax, yet strange to say tho' the Troops were there since March, if not sooner, none of them have yet appeared, altho' the Sailors arrived from Europe a month ago.
These from Cadiz have not arrived, nor any others but 1500 men from Ireland partly raw Recruits. One would really imagine that
464
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Govmt. expects this extensive Country is to be maintained against the population of the United States, by a handful of men, for if only 6,000 Troops come out this year, they may indeed with the sacrifice of every comfort of the Inhabitants, and of their ordinary pursuits enable us to defend the Lower Province, but as to acting offensively it is a mere farce.
The Enemy will be much elated with his late success, and will readily get as many volunteers as he chooses, to molest us in the Upper Province, and threatens us here. This will divide our small force and render it inadequate to any enterprise.
I shall not be surprised if in the course of three or four weeks we have 8 or 10,000 of them on our lines.
An alarm was given us the other day when two of the armed Schooners of 11 guns each attacked four Gun Boats we have a little beyond Isle aux Noix. We luckily took them, and they will be of great service to us on Lake Champlain where we had not a vessel.
In general we are not badly off for intelligence of the Enemy's operations because economy will not admit the expence of obtain- ing it, while on the other hand we have a considerable number of Americans residing in the Province, who give their Countrymen all the information they can wish. The business of York has given such a disgust to General Sheaffe that he never can have the least influence in that Province. The Enemy not only got the public Stores there, but we did not remove the Military Chest in which there was £2,500, the Royal Standard was left, but fortunately must not have been found by the Enemy, and we think was consumed in the Government House, and what may be more injurious to us still, no part of the correspondence of Government or any of the public confidential papers were unmov'd — The Enemy got them all and a portion of them will very probably hereafter decorate the Columns of the American Gazette — ^I shall say nothing of the man- ner in which the defence of the place was conducted as opinions are divided but it is very harshly censured.
To come to our actual situation I shall confine myself to observ- ing that nothing but a Naval Victory can save any part of the Upper Province above Kingston and if we are beat the latter place as well as the whole of that Country must I fear fall.
The system hitherto pursued of not attacking the Enemy, however fair the opportunity has been our ruin, and if continued, must involve us all in distress & cause our ^subjugation — Should we for-
COL. THOS. BARCLAY TO GEN. JOHN MASON.
466
tunately obtain a decided Naval Victory we shall probably be able to drive the Enemy out of the Upper Province as we need not keep a strong Garrison at Kingston and our whole force may be directed to one point. I am not without hopes of success and am convinced that Sir James Yeo will beat them if any body can. They have at least 1,000 good sailors, which is more than double our number. But we are not disheartened as the disposition of the People is good & both by water & land we shall give many hard blows before we surrender. The 8th Eegt. has suffered severely in the action at York and Fort George, and the oflScers in General have borne their share of the misfortunes of the day. None of our Friends at Niagara are kill'd &c. &c.
Endorsed:
Mr. McGillivray. 10th Augt. 1813.
[ Q 125, p 87 ]
[B. 2 ] COL. THOS. BARCLAY TO GEN. JOHN MASON.
SiE, Harlem, 9th June 1813.
I notice in the newspapers that the American Ship Robert Burns, is advertised to proceed from New York as a Cartel, indeed Mr. Eichardson a citizen of these states shewed me Mr. Monroe's passport for the purpose, of which however I had no notice until presented to me by him.
There are at present in these States a number of British Subjects (not included in the description of those sent 40 miles from Tide Water) who are desirous of availing themselves of this conveyance; I request therefore you will be pleased to obtain the President's consent that they may return in her, not any of those Persons are Prisoners of War. I cannot entertain a doubt that he will withhold his assent on this application, particularly as the whole of Persons even had they been^ captured & brought into the Ports of the United States as Prisoners of War, would be entitled to return to England under the character of non-combatants.
I have the honor to be &c.
Thos. Barclay.
General Mason.
Endorsed: 10.
Mr. Croker. 14 Augt. 1813.
[ Q 125, p 144 ]
59
466
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
GEN. JOHN MASON TO COL. THOS. BARCLAY.
[C.2.]
Office of Commissy. General of Prisoners, Sir, Washington, June 1813.
On the 16th April I had the honor to reply in general terms to the letters you addressed me on the 12th & 13 of that month. Having since then, in several conversations communicated to you the intentions of the President on most of the subjects to which they related and others having been settled by the Cartel signed by you and myself on the 12th of May, I had postponed answering them particularly & in writing until some other matters in our cor- respondence which seemed more pressing could be disposed of.
The President deems it unnecessary & improper, to expect for our Agents resident in the Dominions of Great Britain or to grant for yourself and your sub-agents resident in the United States, general permission to visit all the DepCts for Prisoners of War under the Stipulation made by the Cartel, the sub-agents are to reside at or near the stations or the Depots where the Prisoners to the proper care of whom they are to attend are held; it is intended in this Country that they shall reside at the Stations & Depots respectively, except at such times if such occur, as from the near approach of the Enemy or other extraordinary circumstances it may be proper to require any one, or more of them to remove, for the time being to a convenient distance from his usual post, when they will be allowed each under special permission to visit his station as often as is required by the Duties which he has to perform. This pro- vision being made & the intercourse by correspondence between the sub-agents and yourself unrestrained by which you can be constantly informed minutely of all that relates to British Prisoners it is believed that nothing useful to that service is denied in declining to grant you a general permission to visit all the Depots and sta- tions at such times as you may judge proper.
I have it in command to assure you, Sir, that this reservation is not intended to obstruct, by any means the full and entire execu- tion of your functions, or to convey any distrust of you personally but to limit in time of war & particularly of the present attitude of the war towards the United States, the intercourse of the agents of the Enemy with the Country to what is considered its proper object nor that it is meant thereby to preclude altogether your visits to the places where British Prisoners are held; should cases occasionally occur, that in your opinion require it the reasons given
GEN. JOHN MASON .TO COL. THOS. BARCLAY.
467
on special Applications will be respectively considered and permis- sion granted whenever it can with propriety be done.
Similar regulations & indulgences on the part of the British Gov- ernment to the accredited American Agents will only be expected.
The List of British Prisoners detained or released in the forms you request shall be forwarded as speedily as possible, but from the irregularity of this business, in different hands necessarily attendant on the commencement of a War, the materials have not yet been all collected & it will take some time to reduce them to form.
It is not known that there are at this time any British Prisoners in the United States entitled to Parole from their Rank & Quality who do not enjoy it, when it becomes necessary to use any meas- ure of rigor with such you shall be informed of the fact and of the particular circumstances of the case.
You are entirely at liberty to furnish the British Prisoners in our possession with the small daily allowance described in the article numbered 4 of your Letter of the 12th April.
On the subject of the 5th Article of that letter which relates to British Prisoners of war brought into our Ports by French Cruizers it is not considered necessary to consent to any general arrangement every accomodation however consistent with propriety will be cheer- fully yielded on special application, which you may be pleased to make on the cases as they occur.
I have to request, Sir, on your side, that you will be so good as to prepare & furnish me as early as possible with List of all American Citizens now detained in the British Dominions as Pris- oners of war or who have been released or exchanged as such since the commencement of the war specifying their names, Qualities, Time of capture or detention in what ships or at what occasion or place captured or detained, the place of their detention & whether on Parole or not respectively. You will also be pleased to recipro- cate as to the request made in the 3d article of your letter last referred to, & to inform me of the names. Qualities, Places of Confinement & the cause why so confined, if any American Pris- oners now in the Dominions of Great Britain, who from their rank and quality - are entitled to Parole and do not enjoy it.
I will reply to your letter of the 12th April relative to the alledged escapes and enlistments of British Prisoners & to that of the 13th of the same month in a separate Dispatch.
I have the honor to be &c Col. Thos. Barclay. Jno. Mason.
Endorsed: 11.
Mr. Croker. 14 Aagt. 1813.
[ Q 125, p 145 ]
468
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
GEN. JOHN MASON TO COL. THOS. BAKCLAY.
[D. 1.] Office of Commissary General of Prisoners,
Washington, 12th June 1813.
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 12th April, relative to the alledged Escapes and Enlistments of British Prisoners, and of the 13th of the same month, in addition to what I have had the Honor, since their dates, to communicate to you personally, I now send the copy of a Letter written by the Secretary of State, on the 16th of April, in reply to the Letter from Admiral Warren to him of the 8th of March, copy of which you furnished me. I will only add that orders have been given, and measures will be constantly taken, while a reciprocal disposition exists on the part of the Agents of the British Government, to hold safely British Prisoners, and to prevent them from entering into our service, as I have more than once before had occasion to assure you.
Ten of the men detained of the late British Ship Guerriere were immediately after the date of Mr. Monroe's Letter, released from duress and placed in the ordinary situation of Prisoners of war; and the Marshall of Massachusetts, has orders to send them with the ■ first British Prisoners that go by Cartel from Boston. I have the honor to be &ca.
John Mason.
Col. Thos. Barclay, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: 6.
Mr. Croker. 14 Aug. 1813.
[ Q 125, p 133. ]
sir GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHUEST.
[No. 69.]
Kingston, Upper Canada, 14th June 1813.
My Lord,
I have the honour to transmit to Your Lordship the inclosed report from Colonel Proctor which owing to the temporary posses- sion of York by the Enemy has only just reached me by a cir- cuitous route.
I sincerely congratulate Your Lordship upon this additional proof of the steady discipline & valor of His Majesty's forces on the Detroit frontier & which have enabled them under the judicious arrangements of their distinguished Leader so successfully to repel the attack of the Enemy.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO GENERAL DEA.RBORl^.
469
By the last accounts reed, from Colonel Proctor dated the 4th inst. he was still at Sandwich waiting the reinforcements which had it not been for the late events on the Niagara Frontier would have long ago reached him.
I have reason to think they are now on their way to him & when arrived he will probably be enabled again to advance against Maj. General Harrison who remains strengthening himself in his position at Fort Meigs where he is watched by a large body of Indians.
I have the honor to be My Lord
Your' Lordship's most obedient
Humble Servant.
George Peevost.
The Eight Honble Earl Bathurst.
Endorsed: Kingston, Upper Canada, 14 Juae 1813. Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 69. R. 25 July. Eight Enclosures.
[ Q 122, p 2 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO MA.J. GEN. H. DEARBORN.
Head Quarters, Kingston, 14th June 1813.
Sir,
I have been given to understand that Lieutenant Colonels Scott, Christie and Miller, and Captain King are now serving in the Forces of the United States invading this Province, under the command of yourself & of Major General Harrison, in direct violation of their parole of Honour not to serve against Great Britain or her Allies during the war, until regularly exchanged.
I am the more surprized at this information as Your Excellency must have been aware from my last communication to you by Major Murray, that I had publickly disavowed the pretended exchange of those officers declared to have taken place under the authority of the American Government alone & had solemnly protested against its validity.
Under these circumstances I deem it necessary to caution Your Excellency against the consequences which may result to these officers being again taken in Arms by the Forces under my Command.
470
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
As your Government has not yet thought proper to make any reply to my last communication upon this subject, Your Excellency will, I have no doubt see the propriety of those oflScers withdraw- ing from the Army, at least during the time the question respect- ing their Exchange remains in discussion, a measure which I trust after this letter is made known to them they will not hesitate to adopt as the only means of preventing that severity of treatment, which I shall however reluctantly be compelled to observe towards them should the fortune of war again place them at my disposal. I have the honor to be with high respect Your Excellency's
Most obedient humble Servant
Geoege Prevost.
His Excellency Major General Dearborn, &ca. &ca. &ca.
Endorsed:
Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost.' No. 71. 24 July 1813.
[Q122,p39]
PROCLAMATION BY SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
By His Excellency Lieutentant General Sir George Prevost, Bar- onet, Governor General and Commander in Chief in and over His Majesty's North American Provinces, and Commander of the Forces in the said Provinces &ca. &ca. &ca.
A Proclamation.
His Excellency the Commander of the Forces having seen a public Declaration made by Lieut Colonel P. Preston, of the 12th Kegi- ment of the United States Infantry, dated at Fort Erie the 30th of May last, in which he professes to hold out the protection of the United States to all those who shall come forward and voluntarily enroll their names with hira, and threatening with rigorous and dis- asterous consequences those who shall have the spirit and loyalty to pursue a different course of conduct. His Excellency deems it necessary to caution His Majesty's Subjects in this Province against listening to this insiduous offer of the enemy, or trusting to their assurances of protection, which subsequent events have clearly proved they are so little able to afford to themselves. With the bare pos-
PROCLAMATION BY SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
471
session of a narrow strip of our frontier Territory, not obtained by them without a severe contest and corresponding loss, with an uncon- quered and unbroken army in their Front, at an inconsiderable dis- tance from them, and ready to dispute every inch of ground over which they should attempt to advance into the Country, it was hardly to be expected that the Enemy's presumption would have led them to consider themselves as in the Possession of this Prov- ince, or have induced them contrary to the established usages of civilized warfare, to treat its peaceable Inhabitants as a conquered people.
The brilliant result of the action of the 6th inst, the rout and complete dispersion of a large Division of the Enemy's forces on that day, attended with the capture of their Artillery and of their ablest Generals, their subsequent retreat and flight, with the loss of the whole of their Baggage, Provisions, and Tent Equipage, before the victorious army of Brigadier General Vincent, daily increasing in strength from the powerful reinforcements reaching it, and assisted by the Squadron under Sir James Yeo, now in undisturbed posses- sion of the Lake; all these events which followed in rapid succes- sion within a very few days after Lt. Col. Preston's declaration, shew more strongly than any language can possibly describe, the futility of the offers held out by it, and produce the strongest incentive to His Majesty's Subjects to hold fast that Allegiance from which the enemy would so insiduously withdraw them.
His Excellency therefore confidently calls upon all the Loyal and well disposed in this Province who are not under the immediate control or within the power of the Enemy, to use every possible effort in repelling the Foe, and driving him from our soil, assur- ing them that they will be powerfully aided by the reinforcements daily arriving at this Post, and pressing on to their support. To those of His Majesty's Subjects who are unfortunately situated within that inconsiderable portion of the territory occupied by the Enemy, His Excellency recommends a quiet and peaceful conduct, such as shall neither afford a just cause to the Enemy for treating them with the severity & rigor they have threatened, or incompatible with their allegiance to the best of Sovereigns. His Excellency at the same time declares, that he shall be compelled however reluctantly to retaliate upon the American Prisoners in his possesion every vio- lation of the persons or property of any of His Majesty's Subjects so peaceably demeaning themselves, and hereby publickly protests against such treatment as equally unsanctioned by the usages of
472
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
war, or by the example aflPorded by His Majesty's Forces with regard to aDy of the American Prisoners in his possession.
Given under my Hand & Seal at arms at Kingston, this four- teenth day of June, one thousand, eight hundred and thirteen.
Geokge Peevost, Commander of the Forces.
By His Excellency's Command,
E. B. Brenton.
!&idorsed:
Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 72, 24 June 1813.
[ Q 122, p 44 ]
GEN. JOHN MASON TO COL. THOS. BABCLAY.
[B. 1.]
Office of Commissary General of Prisoners, Washington, June 19th, 1813.
Sir,
The Ship Robert Burns, of which you enquire in your letter of the 9th of June, has been placed by the Government in the situa- tion in which she stands as a Conveyance for Prisoners of War; and as an accomodation to Mr. Richardson, an American Citizen to bring home his Family. No stipulation has been made with Mr. Richardson as to Prisoners. It was intended to leave that, if any offered, to be adjusted with him by yourself here for British Pris- oners, or by our agent in England Mr. Beasley, for American Prisoners there; Not supposing that there were at this time any British Prisoners remaining at New York; no communication on that subject had been as yet thought necessary. If there are any such, however, Sir they shall be released to go by that Ship & delivered to your order. On the subject of the French Prisoners, the Messrs. Walker and others described in yours of the 9th May & mentioned again in that of the 9th June, I will do all that depends on me to facilitate their return to England; to aid in sending them to Nova Scotia, or Canada, cannot be done, as I am persuaded Sir, you will under the circumstances, think but right. I consent that these Prisoners, as by note annexed embark in the Robert Burns, pro- vided you will enter into an engagement that they shall not be taken out of that Ship at Sea or landed elsewhere than in Eng- land. If you determine to do so, a letter to that effect addressed to me will only be requisite.
COL. THOS. BARCLAY TO GEN. JOHN MASON,
473
With respect to that part of your letter which relates to British Subjects, not Prisoners of War, I am only at liberty to say, that it is not intended that any alien Enemies, other than Prisoners of War, be permitted to embark in the Robert Burns.
I have the honor to be &c.
J. Mason.
[ Q 125, p 122 ]
COL. THOMAS BAECLAY TO GEN. JOHN MASON.
[C. 1.]
Harlem, 20th June 1813.
Sir,
Your letters of the 12th and 13th instant and another without the day of the month but which I have endorsed as of the 12th, I have had the honor to receive.
In my application to you on the 12th of April on the subject of a general permission to myself to visit the stations and Depots at and in which there might be British Prisoners, and for my sub- agents to have leave each to visit his particular station or Depot, I followed the words of my Instructions. It appears however by your Letter which I have endorsed as of the 12th Current, that the President considers this permission unnecessary and declines granting it.
If regular Depots were established throughout the Untied States and British Prisoners, who arrive in American Ports where there are no Depots for them, were immediately * sent to an established Depot; much of the inconvenience attending the refusal of the President would be remedied; but so long as British Prisoners are brought in and landed indiscriminately in every part of the Union and are not sent to or confined in Specific DepOts it will be for the mutual Interest of both Nations that the Prisoners are often visited either by myself or my sub agents, and if no other advantage results the Prisoners will be cautioned, and perhaps prevented from entering into the American army or Navy, and you and myself relieved from raanyTunpleasant communications.
I beg leave to enquire of you in what manner under the deter- mination of the President, British Prisoners in the State of Massa- chusetts are to be furnished with clothing and paid their weekly
allowances,
60
474 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Salem is the only station in that state and you have not informed me of your having yet established a single Dep6t for British Prisoners.
That State has a great variety of Ports into which Prisoners are carried^
At present there are Prisoners at Boston, Salem, Newbury point, Portsmouth, Portland and Wiscasset and perhaps in many other left to themselves without an agent or a sub agent to attend to their wants, and furnish them with clothing and money.
It follows that Prisoners who are thus precluded from the advice & assistance of the agent of the Nation to which they belong, con- sider themselves neglected by their King and Country, and either enter into the American Service or escape into the interior of the States and labor for their subsistence. I have given Massachusetts as an instance, the inconvenience is the same in all the other States possessing Sea Ports. I am not allowed by the President a sub agent for Oonnichuit, [sic] Pennsylvania Virginia or North and South Carolinas, nor do I know there are any Depots established by you in either of these States, still British Prisoners of War are landed and detained in each of them, and who actually suffer from want of clothing in consequence of their being scattered in this manner over the whole sea hoard of the United States, and of my not being permitted by the President to visit them in person or by way of my sub-agents.
Mr. Kutter, the marshal at Baltimore on the 4th of June informed me that there were six British Prisoners in his custody who were in extreme want of Clothing. Having been deprived of the assist- ance of Mr. Walker of Philadelphia by his being sent to Lancaster, myself restrained from entering New York, to make enquiry for a fit person who would undertake the trouble of furnishing these unfortunate men with Clothing, I was most reluctantly obliged to solicit Mr. Rutter to supply them and transmit me the necessary vouchers for the account, but I have not received his answer, and from his silence, consider he has thought, as I acknowledge was the case, I had taken an unjustifiable liberty with which he did not think proper to comply.
Unless Depots are established in which the British Prisoners not on parole are confined — and Prisoners immediately on their arrival conveyed to one of them, and unless the President will permit one or other of my sub-agents to visit the Depots appointing to each his District, the Prisoners must suffer and the oflBcer of such sub-
COL. THOS. BARCLAY TO GEN. JOHN MASON. 475
agent be useless, except at the particular place to which he is appointed. These are points which merit the consideration of the President and yourself, not only as the same rules will be estab- lished towards the American agents in His Majesty's Dominions but from the probability of these Eules and Practices leading to an interruption of Exchanges.
It is at the option of Nations at War to make Prisoners or to put every man opposed to them in Arms to the Sword. But the moment a man is made Prisoner, the Power to whom he is a Prisoner becomes bound to perform certain duties, one of which is to hold him in safety until he is regularly exchanged. On this principle a very few days after your appointment as Commissary General of Prisoners of War in my Letter of the 12th of April I acquainted you that I was directed explicitly to state " that His Majesty con- " sidered this Government bound, on general principles, to deliver all " those of His Majesty's Subjects who have been made Prisoners of " war by American capture, whenever an equal number of American " Citizens made Prisoners to His Majesty are offered in exchange for "such British Subjects."
You acquaint me you have it in command to assure me that this reservation of the President's respecting the limits allowed to me and my sub-agents is not intended to obstruct by any means the full and entire execution of my functions or to convey any distrust of me personally but to limit in time of war and particularly of the present attitude of the war towards the United States the inter- course of the agents of the Enemy with the Country to what is considered its proper object.
During war each nation has a right to establish such rules as it may think proper with respect to Agents who may be permitted to have the superintendance of Prisoners, but with submission to the President, I beg leave to say that the present restrictions with respect to myself and my sub-agents, not only obstructs the full and entire execution of my functions, but in a great measure pre- vents the exercise of them. I refrain making any remark on the expression you have thought proper to use " and particularly of the "present attitude of the war towards the United] States." First, because I considered it not to appertain . either to your or my appointments, to enter on the subject — And Secondly from a con- viction that whatever attitude the war has or may hereafter take, depends on the measures which this government has or may adopt.
476
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
I shall avail myself of the earliest conveyance to request from His Majesty's Commissrs. for Prisoners of War in London the neces- sary Documents to enable me to "furnish you as early as possible " with Lists of all the American Citizens now detained in the " British Dominions as Prisoners of War, or who have been released
or exchanged as such since the commencement of the war, speci- " fying their names, qualities, Time of capture or Detention, in " what Ship or at what occasion or place captured or detained, the " places of their detention and whether on Parole or not respect- " ively, and to inform you of the names, Qualities, Places of Con- " finement and the cause why so confined, of any American Pris- ' ' oners now in the Dominions of Great Britain who from their "Rank and Quality are entitled to the indulgence of Parole and " do not enjoy it. "
I have the honor to be
&ca. &ca.
Thos. Barclay.
John Mason Esq., Commissy. General, &ca, &ca. &ca. [ Q 125, p 125 ]
COL. THOS. BARCLAY TO COMMISSIONERS FOR TRANSPORTS.
New York, 2 2d June 1813. Sir, •
After repeated applications to the American Commissary General of Prisoners, I have received his answer to my letter of the 12th of April, respecting certain points on which by your Instructions of the 1st of December last, I was directed to request information from this Government, and to report to you. I have the honor to enclose you copies of this correspondence, marked AI and Bl.
You will perceive that the President has not thought proper to permit me to visit all the American stations & depots as often as I think necessary; on the contrary, I am only to visit them on special occasions, having previously assigned my reasons and obtained his permission. Nor are the sub-Agents from the tenor of General Mason's letter to have leave to visit any other Station or Depots, except the one at or near which each of them respectively resides.
I have noticed this in my reply of the 20th current to Genl. Mason, a copy whereof, marked CI is also inclosed. His answer, when received, shall be transmitted to you.
COL. THOS. BARCLAY TO COMMISSIONERS FOR TRANSPORTS. 477
As no Indulgences to the American Agent residing in H. M. Dominions are required by the President, other than those he has considered proper to grant to H, M. Agent & Sub Agents in America, I do not consider an objection on any other principle than ab incon- ventenie, can be offered to his restrictions, which was urged in my letter of the 20th Inst. The answers to the remainder of my requi- sitions and questions are reasonable and correct.
It is for you. Sirs, to determine whether it is necessary to restrict in a similar manner the American Agents in England, and other parts of H. M. Dominions — ^ Distrust and jealousy mark the conduct of the members of the present American Administration.
This is not however without some reason. It is well known that from Pennsylvania North, all the Gentlemen of property and respect- ability are opposed to them & their measures, and that in every State South of the Delaware, there are many characters of equal property and respectabilty who entertain the same sentiments. They are therefore unwilling that H. M. Subjects, myself and the Sub- Agents in particular should have an opportunity of communicating with Gentlemen so essentially differing in sentiment with them. In addition to which they are apprehensive a more liberal indulgence to British Agents would give offence to their friends and supporters.
I have been assured by the officers of this Government that let- ters from me should pass unopen'd; and altho' they candidly stated that they consider themselves authorized to open letters addressed to me, it has not been done, save in one solitary instance by a person commanding the American Gun Boats. I mention this, that you may, if you think proper, measure similar indulgence to the American Agent in London all letters from the Commissary General to me, or others which come under cover to him for me, are for- warded free of postage.
I enclose a copy of Genl. Mason's letter of the 12th Inst on the subject of the seduction of British Seamen into the American Ser- vice Marked D. 1.
I have &c,
' Thos. Barclay, Commrs. for Transports and for Prisrs. of War, &c. &c. &c. [ Q 125, p 114 ]
478
COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS.
SIR GEORGE PEEVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 71.]
Head Quarters,, Kingston, Upper Canada, 24 June 1813.
My Lord,
I have the honor to transmit to Your Lordship a copy of a let- tei:* which I have deemed it my duty to write to Major General Dearborn Commander in Chief of the American Forces in conse- quence of information I had received that certain American oflScers who had been taken Prisoners in the different attacks made by the Enemy on this Province & allowed to proceed to the United States on their parole, were serving in the American army now invading this Province, without having been regularly exchanged.
It may be necessary to apprize Your Lordship, that during the course of the last Winter an application was made to me by the Government of the United States thro' Major General Dearborn, for the exchange of these officers, together with Brigr. Genl. Hull, and other American officers. Prisoners of War on their parole, agreeably to a Tariff established at Halifax, under a provisional agreement entered into for the exchange of Naval Prisoners by our & the Agent appointed by the American Government & ratified by Sir John Warren.
Before my assent could be obtained to that agreement as respecting Prisoners taken by Land & which was requested by Genl. Dearborn at the time of the above application & before my answer to the application was received, the Government of the United States under- took to act upon the agreement as if ratified by me, & upon the application as if I had acceded to it by publickly declaring Brig. Genl. Hull & certain other Prisoners of war on their Parole (among whom are those mentioned in the Letter herewith transmitted) as exchanged & free to serve in the Army of the United States against Great Britain & her allies.
' This extraordinary proceeding called from the general orders by way of protest against it, which I have now the honor of transmitting to Your Lordship several letters have since passed in explanation of this transaction between General Dearborn & myself to the last of which from me dated more than two months ago no answer has been received.
I have however been much surprized to hear lately from Mr. Bar- clay that he had recently been informed by the American Secretary
* For letter eee page 469.
CAPITULATION OF DETACHMENT OF UNITED STATES FORCES. 479'
of State that the before mentioned provisional agreement had not been ratified by the President of the United States.
At this distance from my usual Head Quarters where my papers are, it is not in my power to transmit to Your Lordship copies of the correspondence which has taken place on this occasion but from the view which I have endeavoured to give you of the subject, Your Lordship will not be at a loss to discover the motives for this procedure on the part of the Government of the United States, & will I trust at the same time see the necessity . & approve of the measure I have adopted with regard to those oflScers who in viola- tion of their parole are now serving against us.
I have received from Mr, Barclay copy of an agreement entered into by himself & the American Commissary General of Prisoners, & which he says is satisfactory both to Sir John Warren & the American Government. It does not appear to me in any respect objectionable nor have I any new article or amendment to propose to it.
There are at present three Brigadiers General, about Twenty four other officers of different ranks & upwards of four hundred men, American Prisoners of War at Quebec whom I shall detain as such until further & more satisfactory explanations are received by me from the American Government upon the subject of this Dispatch. I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's most obedient Humble Servant
George Prevost.
The Right Honble Earl Bathurst.
Endorsed: Kingston, Upper Canada, 24 Jane 1813. L. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 71. R. 24 July. *Two Inclosares.
[Q .122, p35]
CAPITULATION OF A DETACHMENT OF THE UNITED STATES FORCES.
24th June 1813.
Particulars of the Capitulation made between Captain McDowell on the part of Lieut Col. Boerstler of the United States Army, and Major De Haren, of His Britannic Majesty's Canadian Regiment, on the part of Lieut Colonel Bisshopp commanding the advance of the British, respecting the force under the command of Lieut Col.
*
Boerstler.
*One omitted. " General Orders," to be fonnd on page 427.
480
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
First, That Lieut Col. Boerstler and the Force under his command shall surrender Prisoners of War.
Second, That the officers shall retain their Arms, horses and Baggage.
Third, That the non-commissioned officers and soldiers shall lay down their arms at the head of the British Column and become Prisoners of War.
Fourth, That the Militia and Volunteers with Lieut Col. Boerstler shall be permitted to return to the United States on parole.
And^. McDowell, Capt. U. S. Light Artillery.
Handed to P. S. Boerstler, Lt. Col. Comdg. Detcht. U. S. Army.
P. V. De Haeen, Major Canadian Regt.
Endorsed: Capitulation of a Detachment of the U. States forces under Lieut. Colonel Boerstler. 4.
Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 73. 3 July 1813.
[ Q 122, p 61 ]
RETUEN.
Return of American Prisoners taken near Fort George on 24th June 1813.
|
Corps. |
Lt Cols. |
Majors |
Captains |
Lieutenants |
Cornet |
Surgeons |
Serjeants |
Drummers |
Rank & File. |
Remarks. |
|
Light Dragoons |
1 |
1 |
19 |
Two field pieces taken 1 12 Pounder |
||||||
|
Light Artillery |
1 |
1 |
2 |
31 |
||||||
|
8th Regt Infantry |
1 |
1 |
3 |
54 |
1 6 Pounder |
|||||
|
14th Do |
1 |
3 |
11 |
1 |
15 |
301 |
2 Cars |
|||
|
20th Do |
1 |
5 Stand of Colours of the 14th U. S. { Regiment |
||||||||
|
23d Do |
1 |
4 |
2 |
57 |
||||||
|
Total |
6 |
13 |
1 |
1 |
25 |
2 |
462 |
( 30 militia released on parole not < included in this Return- |
||
^ Officers Named & Rank.
Lt. Colonel Boerstler, 14th Regt.
Major Taylor, 20th.
Captain McDowell, Lt. Artillery.
COL. THOS. BARCLAY TO THE TRANSPORT BOARD.
481
Captain McKensey, 6th.
McKenzie, 14th. " Cummins, 14th. Fleming, 14th. Roach, 23d. Lieutenant Morris, Lt. Artillery. Shell, 6. " Saunders, 14. " Karney, 14.
Waring, 14. Mudd, " Murdock, " Goodwin,
Clarke, " Robinson, Bundall, Commr. Bird, Lt. Dragoons.
Surgeon Young, 14th. Edward Baynes,
Adjt. Genl.
The loss of the Enemy supposed to be about 100 in killed and wounded.
Endorsed: Retarn of American Prisoners taken near Fort George, 24 June 1813. 5. Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 73. 3 July 1818.
[ Q 122, p 62 ]
> Do.
[No. 7.] OOL. THOS. BARCLAY TO THE TRANSPORT BOARD.
Sirs, New York, 24 June 1818.
In the Letter I did myself the honor to address to you on the 20th May I informed you that I had made an application to the American Secretary of State for leave to send to Great Britain such of His Majesty's Subjects as were in these States on their private affairs, prior to the Declaration of War, and who were anxious to return — Copies of my Letter to him on this subject and his answer I then enclosed to you.
I have since made several Applications for Individuals who had strong claims, but without success. The President appears resolved to hold them as Persons not to be exchanged, and they have been removed from their respective Residences forty miles from the Sea Port Towns.
The Characters thus exiled from their Residences and held as Prisoners yet not to be exchanged, are Gentlemen of respectability 61
482
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
and Generally Merchants. It merits the attention of His Majesty's Ministers, whether similar measures should not be carried into effect with respect to' American Citizens in Great Britain and Ireland.
I beg leave to repeat to you Sirs, that I consider it essential for His Majesty's service that no more American Prisoners of War, be sent from Great Britain for the present, because there are more than sufficient in the colonies for Exchanges.
It is prudent and necessary for many reasons, that we retain American Prisoners until regularly exchanged; & particularly so, to induce the officers of this Government to prevent the seducing of British Prisoners into the American Service, this will not be cor- rected while American Prisoners continue to arrive from Great Britain and the Colonies, unsolicited on the part of this Govern- ment and unexchanged, but when once it is ascertained from expe- rience, that Prisoners will only be forwarded under regular exchanges, it will be necessary on the part of this Government to take care that British Prisoners are not taken into its service, but held for equivalent exchanges.
The number of British Prisoners at present in these states, as far as I have been able to ascertain does not exceed 200 men independent of those now embarking on board the British Cartel Agnes at Boston for Halifax. They are scattered from the North Eastern Extremity of Massachusetts to New Orleans, hither I have not been able to per- suade the American Commissary of Prisoners to collect them at two places and consent to a delivery if a Cartel is sent. I am satisfied the facility with which this Government has received its Prisoners, is a principal cause of declining to comply with my request, although the reasons assigned, are the expences attending collecting the Pris- oners and the trifling amount of them.
There is at present a young man, an American of the name of Wm. De Laney a prisoner of War in England taken in the Schooner Antelope Conklin, Master. His connections are very respectable and wholly opposed to the present war.
Permit me to request that you will order him to be paroled and sent to this place, either in the Ship Kobert Burns, now about to depart for Liverpool or sent to Lisbon, from whence he can get to these States. I have &ca.
Thos. Barclay.
Transport Board.
Endorsed: 7.
Mr. Croker, 14th Aagt. 1813.
[ Q 125, p 135 J
COL. THOS. BARCLA.Y TO TRA.NSPORT COMMISSIONERS. 483
SIR GEOEGE PREVOST TO SIR J. B. WARREN.
Sir, Head Quarters, Kingston, Upper Canada, 24 June 1813.
As our means of equipping- and manning our Navy on the Lakes bear no proportion to those of the Enemy who are unceasingly employed in promoting their great object of obtaining an ascendancy upon them, I beg leave most urgently to request of you a supply of Seamen for this purpose, without which aid, should the contest be much longer continued we shall labour under disadvantages which no skill or valour on the part of the small band of Seamen under Sir James Yeo can counterbalance. Whatever assistance you can give me on this head will I trust be promptly afforded as every thing will probably depend upon the operations of the next two months — a less reinforcement than two hundred Seamen would be of little avail, and with it I should feel confident in the means of success- fully opposing the American Flotilla on both Lakes.
The Squadron under Sir James Yeo which is now out has been tolerably manned by the Seamen arrived from England, but we are without a man either for the new Brig just ready to launch here or for the Ship which is in great forwardness on Lake Erie, where Captain Barclay is gone to command, and whose wants on this head, as he has very lately feelingly described them to me, are great and pressing.
I have &c. &c.
Admiral, George Prevost.
The Eight Honble Sir J. B. Warren, Bart, &c. &c. &c.
[ Q 126, p 108 ]
col. THOS. BARCLAY TO THE TRANSPORT COMMISSIONERS.
[No. 8.]
New York, 25th June 1813.
Sirs,
Mr. John Kichardson, a subject of His Majesty, a merchant whose usual residence is at Liverpool in England ; but who is also a cre- ated Citizen of these States and who came hither for the purpose of securing his Property during the War applied to the American Secretary of State, and obtained from him a Passport for the American Ship Robert Burns to go as a Cartel from hence to Liver- pool, a copy whereof I enclose marked A. 2.* I also enclose a copy of my letter to the American Commissary for Prisoners, marked
* For passport see page 459.
484
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
B. 2* and his answer marked C. 2.f on the subject of the Passport; you will perceive that General Mason the Commissary for Prisoners takes it for granted there are few, if any Prisoners of War, at present at New York and refuses to permit, other subjects of His Majesty (who he is pleased to term alien enemies in contradiction to those who are generally intended under the appellation of Pris- oners of War) to take passage in that Ship. The fact is that the Passport was granted to oblige Mr. Kichardson who is desirous of getting his wife and Family now at Liverpool to these States, and in the hope of your sending American Prisoners in her. With respect to Mrs. Richardson and the family perhaps there can be no objection, and with regard to American Prisoners, I have communi- cated my sentiments to you in my No. 7.
I hope however notwithstanding the Intentions of this Govern- ment, in consequence of the present orders of the Secretary of State, unless others of a very different nature arrive before the departure of the Robert Burns Cartel, to have it in my power to send a number of British Subjects in her, independent of the two Mr. Walkers and the three men Prisoners of War, captured by a French Privateer.
If however I am prevented in this, and only the five Persons, Prisoners to the French are permitted to go in the Cartel, I shall give her the necessary papers to proceed to Liverpool, not generally as a Cartel but specially in consequence of her taking these Pris- oners. So that you will be under no responsibility from any act of mine to permit American Prisoners to return in this Cartel. If American Prisoners are withheld, we shall have it in our power to bring this Government to reason, and induce them to liberate the British Subjects now detained.
You will be pleased to notice, that three fourths of the American Seamen sent to these States on Parole — go on service without wait- ing for Exchange by which means Great Britain in truth supplies her Enemy with men to man Privateers and merchant vessels. I have the honor to be &c.
Thos. Barclay.
The Commissioner for Conducting the Transport Service & for Prisoners of War, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: 8.
Mr. Croker, 14 Aug. 1813.
[ Q 125, p 139 ]
* For letter see page 465. t For answer see page 466.
LIEUT. COL. THOS. CLARK TO LIEUT. COL. HARVEY. 485
COL. THOS. BARCLAY TO THE TRANSPORT BOARD.
Harlem, near New York, 9th July 1813.
Sirs,
As I am not permitted to enter the city of New York it will not be in my power to attend to the embarkation of the British Sub- jects and Prisoners of war who go from here in the Robert Burns to Liverpool.
Mr. Henry Barclay, my clerk, who will superintend the embarka- tion will send you a List of them, to which I beg leave to refer you. It remains however uncertain whether any of the British Sub- jects will be permitted to proceed, for I think it probable that after the Ship has dropped down from New York, most of them will be taken out by order of this Government.
I shall desire the collector of the Customs at Liverpool to muster the Passengers and send you a List of their names, by comparing which, with the List sent you by Mr. Henry Barclay, you will perceive how many have been taken out by this Government.
I have stated to you in my Letter 25th June, that Mr. Richard- son's object in sending this Ship to England, was to get his wife and family to America, and as he has been ready in accomodating every British Subject I have sent to him, permit me to recommend his family being allowed to come to America in the Robert Burns.
I have also to request you will allow him for the subsistence of the men, who arrive and are mustered at Liverpool at the rate of one shilling sterling a ration per day.
I have the honor to be &c
Thomas Barclay.
Transport Board.
Endorsed : 12.
Mr. Croker, 14 Augt. 1813,
[ Q 125, p 151 ]
LT. COL. THOMAS CLARK TO LT. COL.. HARVEY.
Chippawa, July 12th 1813.
Sir,
I have the honor to report to you for the information of Major General De Rottenburg that the Detachment under the command of Lieut Colonel Bisshopp, consisting of a Detachment of Royal Artil- lery under Lieut Armstrong, 40 of the King's Regt under Lieut
486
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Barston, 100 of the 41st under Captain Saunders, 40 of the 49th under Lieut Fitzgibbons and about 40 of the 2d and 3d Lincoln Militia, embarked at 2 o'clock on the morning of the 11th Inst, to attack the Enemy's Batteries at Black Kock.
The Detachment landed half an hour before day light without being perceived & immediately proceeded to attack the Batteries which they carried with little opposition; The Enemy heard the firing at their advanced Posts, and immediately retreated with great precipitation to Buffalo.
The Block Houses Barracks and Navy Yard, with one large Schooner, were burnt, and such of the public stores as could be got off, were taken possession of, and carried across the River by the Troops; before the whole of the Stores were taken away, the Enemy advanced having been reinforced by a considerable body of Indians whom they posted in the woods on their Planks and in their advance.
They were gallantly opposed by the whole of the Troops, but finding the Indians could not be driven from the adjoining woods without our sustaining a very great loss, it was deemed prudent to retreat to the Boats, and the Troops recrossed the River under a very heavy fire.
I am extremely sorry to add Lieut Colonel Bisshopp fell severely wounded on our Retreat to the Boats, fortunately the Detachment did not suffer by it, every thing having been arranged and com- pleted previous to his receiving his wounds.
Enclosed are the Returns of the killed, wounded and missing, with the exception of those of the 49th Regiment and Militia which have not yet been received.
I have also enclosed the Returns of the Ordnance and other Stores captured.
I have the honor to be &ca.
Thomas Clark, Lt. Col. 2nd Lincoln Militia.
To Lieut. Colonel Harvey, Dy. Adjutant General.
[ Q 122, p 101 ]
I
TRANSPORT COMMISSIONERS TO J. W. CROKER.
487
RETURN.
Return of Killed, Wounded & Missing in action with the Enemy at Black Rock on the morning of the 11th Inst, 13th July 1813.
|
Corps. |
Killed |
Wounded |
Missing. |
|||||||||||||||
|
m -t-3 O. cS O |
a 0 (D |
Ensigns |
Serjts |
Corps. |
Drummers |
Privates |
Inspecting Field i Officer |
Lt Col. |
Pi U |
Ensigns |
ED ■1-3 s |
09 A o |
Drummers |
1 Privates |
1 Serjts 1 |
1 Corps 1 |
1 Drummers |
1 Privates I |
|
Staff |
1 |
|||||||||||||||||
|
8th or Kings |
3 6 4 |
1 |
6 10 3 |
|||||||||||||||
|
4l8t Regiment |
1 |
1 |
1 |
4 2 |
||||||||||||||
|
49th Regiment |
||||||||||||||||||
|
Militia _ |
1 |
|||||||||||||||||
|
Total i |
||||||||||||||||||
|
.... |
13 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
19 |
6 |
OFFICERS WOUNDED
Lt. Col. Bisshopp, Inspecting Field officer severely not dangerously Lt. Col. Clarke, 2nd Lincoln Militia, slightly Capt Saunders, 41st Regt, severely & Prisoner Ens. Mompesson, 41st Regt, slightly
J. Harvey Lt Col. D. A. Genl
[ Q 122, p 106 ]
THE COMMISSIONERS FOR TRANSPORTS TO J. W. CROKER, ESQ.
Sib, Transport Office, 14th July 1813.
^You will be pleased to lay before the Right Honble the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty the accompanying Copy of a Letter* dated the 20th of May which we have received from Thomas Bar- clay Esqr. the Agent for Prisoners of War in the United States of America, together with the inclosed Cartel agreement entered into between him and John Mason Esqr. Commissary General of Prisoners on the part of the United States, also copies of two Letters marked A & B, relative to the detention of certain British Subjects, detained in America, and as several of the articles contained in the above
*For letter see page 450.
488
COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS.
mentioned Cartel agreement appear to us to be objectionable, we sub- mit for their Lordship's consideration, the inclosed observations thereupon, and we request that you will signify to us their Lord- ship's directions on the subject.
We are &oa.
Eup. George,
J. BOWEN,
J. W. Croker, Esqr. Jno. Harness.
Endorsed: 1.
Mr. Croker, 15 Angt. 1818.
[ Q 125, p 155 ]
additional general order.
Headquarters, Kingston, Adjutant General's Office, 15th July 1813.
His Excellency the Commander of the Forces has received from Major General De Kottenburg, the official Report of Lieutenant Colonel Clarke, of the 2nd Lincoln Militia, of the successful attack made on the Enemy's Post at Black Rock on the morning of the 11th Inst.
Lieut. Col. Bisshopp being unable to write in consequence of the severe wounds he has received.
Lieut. Colonel Clarke reports that the objects of the enterprise were achieved with the utmost gallantry and that by the judicious arrangement of Lieut Col. Bisshopp, the Enemy's Block houses. Stores, Barracks and Dockyard, together with a large Vessel were burnt, and all the Ordnance and Stores that could not be removed were destroyed, and the Detachment was on the point of re-embark- ing, without having lost a single man, when it was warmly attacked by a strong re-inforcement of the Enemy, aided by a numerous body of Indians who had been enabled to approach under cover of the surrounding ; woods, and kept up a galling fire upon the Boats.
The Detachment had 13 Rank & Pile killed. Lt. Col. Bisshopp and Capt Saunders 41st Regiment, severely wounded. Lieut Col. Clarke, 2nd Lincoln Militia, and Lieut Mompesson 41st Regt slightly wounded, and 20 Rank & File wounded.
The Ordnance captured & destroyed consist of 3 twelve pounders, one 9 pounder, three 6 pounders and about 200 stand of Arms; 8 large boats & Scows were brought away loaded with Stores.
CAPT. R. H. BARCLAY TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
489
His Excellency laments that the severe wounds of Lieut Col. Bisshopp will deprive the Army, for a time, of his able & gallant services; and is happy to learn that the wound of Lieut Ool. Clarke is not likely long, to restrain the zeal & energy with which that officer has so eminently distinguished himself.
By His Excellency's Command
Edward Baynes,
Adjutant General.
[ Q 122, p 104 ]
CAPT. R. H. BARCLAY TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
Extract from a Letter from Captain Barclay, dated Long Point, July 16th, 1813.
"I enclose a statement of the Force of the rival Squadrons, and if prompt assistance is not sent up, although my officers and crews will do every thing that zeal and intrepidity can do, the great superiority of the Enemy may prove fatal.
I write this to Your Excellency in the hope that you will take the Squadron on Lake Erie into consideration, & that you will see the immense advantage that will accrue to the Enemy by being enabled to transport Troops either to annoy the right of the army under General De Rottenburg, or to cutt off General Procter's com- munication with the Lower Province except by Land.
Indeed the whole Line under General Procter must lay open to the Enemy, in the event of their being able to make His Majesty's Squadron retire.
The Detroit will be ready to launch on the 20th instant, but there is neither a sufficient quantity of Ordnance Ammunition, or other Stores, and not a man to put in her. If that Vessel was on the Lake I would feel confident as to the result of any action they might choose to risk, but at present altho' for the good of His Majesty's Provinces, I must attack them, I cannot help saying that it is possible that they may have an advantage though I trust not a decided one.
I have communicated with Sir James Yeo on the same subject & if he from the exigencies of the service on the Lake Ontario will not admit of his sending many seamen, even fifty would be of the greatest service for the present, but it will require at least from 62
490
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
250 to 300 Seamen to render His Majesty's Squadron perfectly effective. I have the honor to be
[ Your Excellency's most obedt. Humble Servant
E. H. Barclay, Senr. Officer on Lake Erie. His Excellency Lieut. Genl. Sir G. Prevost, Bart.
[ Q 122, p 95 ]
STATEMENT.
A Statement of the Forces of the American Squadron as last recon- noitred in the Harbour of Presqu' Isle, June 28th.
Two new Brigs or Corvettes in a^ forward state.
Seven Schooners ) ^^^^ unknown but all armed & manned.
Two Brigs )
The Corvettes appear to be both as large as the Queen Charlotte but they are still in the Inner Harbour, not rigged or armed, but from their resources being so near at hand, I cannot reasonably expect they will be long^ in that situation.
K. H. Barclay, Senr. Officer on Lake Erie.
[ Q 122, p 97 ]
STATEMENT. '
A Statement of the Force of His Majesty's Squadron on Lake Erie.
Names.
GanB.
Calibre
Canadians
Newfound- land Regt
4l8t
Regt
Total.
Queen Charlotte. Lady Prevost
Hunter
Erie
18
24 Pr Carronades.
10-12 Pr Carronades & ] 2 long 9'8 :
4 long 6's, 2 18 Pr Car- ; ronades '
Little Belt.
1 Traversing long 12 Pr & 1-12
1 Traversing long 9 «S; 1 24 Pr Carr
Chippawa *.
8 Inch Howitzers.
Detroit pierced for, not yet launched...
20
62
108
54
106
* Left with General Proctor.
[ Q 122, p 98 ]
E. H. Barclay Senr. Officer on Lake Erie.
RETURN OF ORDNANCE TAKEN AT MICHILIMACKINAC. 491
RETURN OF ORDNANCE TAKEN AT MICHILIMACKINAC. No. 1.
Eeturn of Ordnance and Stores captured from the enemy at Michilimack- inac in Upper Canada by a Detachment under the command of Captn Eoberts, 10th Koyal Veteran Battalion on the 17th July 1812.
Species of Stores
fS 1>4 In. Howitzers.
f Brass -{ 6 prs. on garrison carriages.
Ordnance
I
Shells.
Shot...
Llron 9 " " " " ....
f 5 In. fixed.. _
( do unfixed
fS In. case
9 Prs. Round
r ( fixed
Case. •<
* ( unfixed... _
6 Prs...-{ round, loose _
I do. fixed to wood bottoms.
Lgrape.. _
Case shot _
fixed to wood bottoms
I grape.
L (.round loose
Ropes Dray Prs. 5 ^4 In Howr.._
fSpunges _
Lead Aprons
Tampeons
LTube Boxes
rSpunges.. _
I Wad Hooks & Ladles
j Tampeons
l^Lead Aprons
5 Vz In. Howitzer.. -{
9 Pounders.
fl»2
2 1
2
18
374 65
480 50 60
864 80 18 51 37 23
463 1 4 2
State as taken from the Return of stores
in charge of the military conductor
at Mackinac 28th July 1813.
2 2 1 2
18
374 65 480
50
Lightifield pieces
492
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Species of Stores
Pounders.
fSpnnges
I Ladles
I Lead Aprons.
LTampeons
rSpunges
3 Pounders -{ Lead Aprons
[Tampeons
Adzes _
Drivers _
Powder— Large grain lbs
Do Mealed 1.
Do Fine grain _ _
Masquets & Bayonets
Cartridge Boxes & Belts
Eifles
Musquet Ball Cartridges Doz
Nitre lbs... _
Lead
Cartouches of Leather
Powder Horns.
Priming Wires
Dredging Boxes
Portfire sticks
Linstocks
Dark Lanthorns
Flannel yards
Powder Measures
Bali Screws _
Musket BaU. Buck Shot. Copper Sheets...
Drums
Flints— Musquet.
Moulds
o o
1068
179 162 6
1295 23 1380
3 7 4
2
14 16 44 1 1 1 2
6900
State as taken from the Return of stores
in charge of the militaty conductor
at Mackinac 28th July 1813.
1068 8 865 154 162 1
1295
1380 3 3
13
23
V Commissary &
Lanatt Smith Paymr. Field Train
RETURN OF ORDNANCE TAKEN AT DETROIT.
493
N. B. The above particulars being included in the general Eeturn of Stores in charge of Military Conductor Pilmore on the 28th July 1813 proves them to have been regularly delivered over to his care. The Brass Ordnance are Light Field Pieces but the weight & lengths has not been reported, though I have written repeatedly for that information.
[ Q 123, p 118 ]
RETURN OF ORDNANCE TAKEN AT DETROIT. No 2.
Return of Ordnance & Stores captured by the Army commanded by Major General Brock at Detroit in Upper Canada on the 16th August 1812 agreeably to Lieutenant Troughton's (Rl. Artillery) returns of that date.
|
State |
||||
|
\ |
Species of Stores |
Serviceable |
Repairable |
Unserviceable |
|
1 |
||||
|
Aprons of Lead |
( Small |
4 |
||
|
Antimonv Ihs |
7 |
|||
|
2 |
||||
|
Bayonets, French _ _ _ |
2500 |
|||
|
3 |
||||
|
Rnnk Shot Ton H. |
1 |
|||
|
34 |
||||
|
Buff Cross Belts |
40 |
|||
|
Bndffft Barrels H. H. |
5 |
|||
|
64 |
||||
|
Balls Musquet cwts _ |
10 |
|||
|
Canteens wood _ |
17 |
4 |
||
|
CalliDers Iron nrs- |
2 |
|||
|
["24 Ponnders |
8 |
|||
|
Cartridges Flannel |
■{ 12 |
17 |
||
|
1 I 9 " |
18 |
|||
494
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Species of Stores
Cartridges Flannel.
Cartridges Paper.
Cartouche Boxes.
CWil ( Wil
Garrison
( 6 Pounders
U " —
f 9 Pounder -._
6
3 "
^5 y2 In. Howr
With Belts..
Without do.
24 Pounders. 12
Carriages -
, 6
I I «
I *
[.Travelling -{ 3
In. Howr.
Fuzees fixed..
L 2%
Cartridges Musquet Ball & Buck Shot.
Drivers Copper
Engines for drawing Fuzees
10 Inch
5i/2 "
Flints Mosquet
Files 54 round
Funnels Tin common
Guages Shot Brass Sets
Glue lbs
Gins Triangle
Haversacks, small
rBlue.
I
Knapsacks -{ Red
Hair or Ox Hide.
394 250
270 5
1 1 1
80,000 2
95 22 55,000 1
2 2 1 50 21 210 20
State
74
116
RETURN OP ORDNANCE TAKEN AT DETROIT.
495
|
State |
|||||
|
Species of Stores |
Serviceable |
Repairable |
j Unserviceable |
||
|
7 |
2 |
||||
|
Mnnlds for caBtiner shot.^ |
1" French Musquet. _ .-{ Pistol |
1 |
|||
|
LBack Shot |
1 |
||||
|
Onadrants Brass |
^ |
||||
|
Formftrs for Cartridares from 3 Prs. to 24 Prs. sets. |
|||||
|
fHarness pairs _ |
43 |
7 |
|||
|
Collars |
6 |
14 |
|||
|
r Horse . -I |
Breechings , |
20 |
|||
|
4 |
3 |
||||
|
Harness - |
Trace chain with Back Gd. pairs |
17 |
|||
|
I^Mens 8 to a |
3et sets |
5 |
|||
|
3 |
|||||
|
Laboratorv Still with Pines &c |
1 |
||||
|
Copper _ _ |
20 |
||||
|
Measores Powder |
|||||
|
Tin |
1 |
||||
|
Marline white \i, skeins |
180 2009 |
||||
|
Mnsanets— . . . |
285 |
206 |
|||
|
f2A Ponnders |
9 |
||||
|
12 *' |
9 |
||||
|
riron -i |
9 |
5 |
|||
|
6 " _ |
4 |
||||
|
8 9-10 In. Howr |
1 |
||||
|
Ordnance „- |
r 6 Pounders _ |
3 |
|||
|
4 " _ |
2 |
||||
|
3 " _ |
1 |
||||
|
i. Brass , -i |
1 |
||||
|
5 ^2 " " |
1 3 |
||||
|
. 2 M " |
|||||
|
Oil Linseed gallons |
5 |
||||
|
Paper for Cartridges Eea Priminff WirnH |
ms _ |
264 |
6 |
||
|
22 |
|||||
|
Powdpir Horns O. T. |
26 |
||||
|
Pewtftr Ihfl |
20 |
||||
|
Portfires Dozens |
9 |
||||
|
Pikes boarding common ._ |
100 |
||||
496
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Bpecies of Stores
State.
F. G. Qr. Barrels.
Powder -{ L. G. whole " .
L Mealed lbs._
Pans for airing Powder Copper
Spikes common
Screw Jacks...
Sand Paper Qaires _
f Brass
Sheets of _ \ Copper
LTin
Swords with Scabbards
Sulpher lbs
Cwith Beams
Scales Copper.
(without do.. f24 Pounders. I 12
f Round loose.
Shot.
Case.
I
I ^
I 3
12
L Grape.
r24 Pounders
I 9 "
Spunges with Staves & Rammer Heads. H 6 " Light.
I 3 •* " . L 2 9-0 In. Howr..._
170
11
4 23 89 13 101 1
1300 1650 900 3138 218 3710 12 60 80 90 33 20 140 50 16 10 3 1 4 6 4
RETURN OF ORDNANCE TAKEN AT DETROIT.
497
|
Species of Stores |
Serviceable |
State. © 1 '3 1 |
Unserviceable |
||
|
Saltpetre lb Shovels Cop Shells -{ |
8 |
90 1 272 467 274 3650 8 11 362 |
|||
|
per |
1 |
||||
|
fEmpty, ^Fixed -! |
flO Inch |
||||
|
8 In |
|||||
|
5y2ln |
|||||
|
2 9-10 In |
|||||
|
r 8 Inch. |
|||||
|
Sieves Powd Tubes Tin Tiables for ai |
" - - - |
||||
|
2 9-10 " |
|||||
|
er Copper W ( ring Powder |
24 Pounders |
2 |
|||
|
Ll8 " |
1 6 806 1530 |
||||
|
ire . |
|||||
|
Fixed |
|||||
|
.Empty |
|||||
|
10 1 |
|||||
|
Tipes figare( Trucks Iron Waggons, Wall nincns |
i lead sets |
||||
|
( |
Fore |
2 2 2 4 |
|||
|
Hind |
|||||
|
' Ammunition |
|||||
|
Baggage |
|||||
|
15 110 |
|||||
|
Rifles. |
349 44.0.1 I 2 |
41 |
|||
|
Lead cwt. qi Flags |
|||||
|
English |
|||||
|
American |
|||||
The above is a true copy with the exception of three pieces of Ordnance which were omitted by mistake in the original, vizt one 2| In. Brass Howr. one Iron 9 Pr. & one Iron 6 Pounder.
Lanatt Smith,
Commissary & Paymr.
[ Q 123, p 121 ]
63
498
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 76.]
Head Quarters, Kingston, 18th July 1813.
My Lord,
Since I had the honor of addressing Your Lordship on the 3d Inst, the Enemy has withdrawn into Fort George & its immediate vicinity such of his advanced Detachments as had escaped being captured, and in concentrating the whole of his Force in that posi- tion where I have caused him to be circumscribed within a very small circle by the Indian Warriors supported by our Light Troops.
I have not considered it expedient to carry on decisive Military operations against Fort Niagara & the American Posts situate on the frontier of that River & on the South Shore ^of Lake Ontario whilst the Enemy are in possession of a preponderating Naval Force, because in my estimation the first object to be attained is to secure the Naval ascendancy for without it to undertake a distant operation would lay open my rear & the whole of my Line of communica- tion with Lower Canada to disastrous consequences, & moreover expose our Fleet to be met to disadvantage by being encumbered with Troops and Stores.
The Information I have received of the State of preparation of the Enemy's Squadron admits of my concluding that the equipment of both Fleets is nearly accomplished to the extent to which either can be prepared for some time to come; — The numerical superiority in Vessels being with the Enemy he may perhaps feel encouraged to attack some of our positions; — should such be his intention it might afford an excellent opportunity of bringing on a general action, particularly if Kingston is the object he has in view.
The Naval and Military Force here at present hold out a reason- able expectation that an attempt upon this point would be repulsed with so severe a loss, as would remove all restraint respecting the embarkation of Troops on board the Squadron, and proceeding with them against Forts George and Niagara.
My last letters from Colonel Procter are dated at Sandwich the 5th instant, the reinforcement of the remainder of the 4Tst Regt which I had directed to be sent to him had not arrived, but was on its way, & he entertained hopes that when it reached him some- thing might be attempted in co-operation with the Squadron under Captain Barclay against the Enemy's fflotilla preparing at Presque Isle & which was in great state uf forwardness — Mr. Dickson with
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
499
a large body of western warriors had left MiohillimackiDao for Sand- wich about the 24th Ulto. & was hourly expected; upon his arrival Col. Procter would be enabled to advance nearer to the Enemy's position at Fort Meiggs which Major General Harrison had reached with a body of Horse part of whom had ventured as far as the Eiver Raisin. It was said to be Major General Harrison's intention to advance with his Army into the Michigan Territory, while the Flotilla from Presqu' Isle was to land Troops on the Canada Shore. By accounts from the borders of Lake Champlain I understand there are some movements of the Enemy's Troops in that quarter & that they are collecting a considerable force at Burlington ; but I rather think this proceeds more from an apprehension of an attack from us than from any plan for penetrating the frontier of Lower Can- ada. The Naval force which we have now on the Richelieu River being very respectable since the capture of two of the Enemy's armed Vessels, & such if properly commanded as affords a reason- able prospect of annoying the Enemy on Lake Champlain, I have employed Lieut Pring of the Royal Navy as a Commander of that service. Lieut Pring was sent with two other officers of the same rank during the Winter by Admiral Sir John Warren to take the command of the Vessels on Lakes Erie and Ontario as Commanders in the Navy, but the subsequent arrival of Commodore Sir James Yeo with officers appointed by the Admiralty for this Service not having left any opening for the employment of Lieut Pring, who is a most able & deserving officer, I have after communicating with Sir James Yeo, with whom he has been lately serving on Lake Ontario as Captain of the Wolfe, entrusted him with the command of the Naval force to be employed on Lake Champlain, & where he may be of material service — I have therefore respectfully to request of Your Lordship that he may be confirmed in the rank to which he was appointed by Sir John Warren.
It is extremely gratifying to me to have to report to Your Lord- ship for the gracious consideration of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, that His Majesty's Troops continue to do their duty with unabated valur, & daily exhibit the advantages of a well regu- lated system of Discipline by their conduct in the Field, notwith- standing that they experience all those privations & hardships inseparable from a campaign carried on comparatively on a great scale, for the defence of an extensive Frontier, in a new Country,
500 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
& against an Enemy superior in numbers and oontiguous to his ' resources of every description. ] I have the honor to be
My Lord , i
Your Lordship's
most obedient
Humble Servant i Geokge Prevost.
The Eight Honorable Earl Bathurst. \
Endorsed: Kingston, 18th July 1813.
Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. _ No. 76. ; E. 6 Sept. i
[ Q 122, p 79 ] j
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST. \
[ No. 78. ] :
Head Quarters, Kingston, 20th July 1813. 1
My Lord, j
I have the honor to transmit for Your Lordship's information an extract from a letter addressed to me by Captn Barclay the senior ! Naval Officer on Lake Erie, together with the Statements accom- panying it, on the subject of what he requires to enable him to i man & equip the squadron placed under his command, in order ^ that Your Lordship may be satisfied of the propriety of my demand ' for more seamen, both upon His Majesty's Government at home ' and upon the Admiral Commanding on the North American Station. '
The great uncertainty attending my communications with Your Lordship, does not encourage the hope of my receiving timely aid
from England; but on the other hand I am cheered with the {
expectation of Sir John Warrens promptitude in affording me a -
sufficient supply of seamen, which is the most material of Captain ■
Barclay's wants for the present. Lest however I may experience a | disappointment on this head, I submit to Your Lordship the impor- tance of guarding against the consequences of it, by adopting such
measures as you shall judge expedient for affording from England j
the supply of men required if possible during the present year, t
either direct to Quebec, or by the way of Halifax, from whence they j
«
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL. BATHURST. 501
may be sent on by land after the Navigation of the river closes •which will not be the case until the middle of November.
The Ordnance Ammunition and other Stores for the service on Lake Erie had been deposited at York for the purpose of being transported to Amherstburg, but unfortunately were either destroyed or fell into the Enemy's hands when York was taken by them; & the subsequent interruption to the communication by their occupation of Fort George has rendered it extremely diflBcult to afford the supplies Captn Barclay requires, which are however in readiness to forward to him, whenever circumstances will admit of its being done with safety.
I have reason to think that the report Captn Barclay has received of the American force is an exaggerated one, as I do not find even from their own papers, that they have any other description of Vessels on Lake Erie besides the two Corvettes & the Schooners. I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obedient
humble Servant
George Prevost.
The Eight Honorable Earl Bathurst.
[ Q 122, p 92 ]
602
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
•nM.OU3[
a o o
^ as O 03 60 02
^ -s
.2 S
:9 '°-
I I
z 5;
tn lO I o
<M ?H
.5 J* 'O
: 3
£ 5
a o
|
00 |
n |
M |
04 |
|
|
)tte |
||||
|
ark |
08t. |
i |
||
|
ja |
1 |
,2 'u |
ittl |
|
|
a |
H |
|||
|
i |
||||
|
a a. |
oon |
oon |
1 |
oon |
|
Shi] |
i |
1 |
|
1 |
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NAVAL FORCES.
§ o
lis
IP
f-t ^ u d o P.
b. <B
S S
56-: III
CO
oq
•r-l
a:
a
O
I
o
o
CO o
a
eS m
>
•-i
eg
a
O
O
i I -s
PQ
ft g I CD CO eo
5i S
(M 00
do ac BO S S S
CD d3
504
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
nM.OU3JXI£[
1 1
o .a
0
-3 :3
•g o
O J
sjeuooqog
■a
OS
Si B
a
o
O
O
O O CM
CD
CO
H S
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
505
SIR GEOEGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 81.]
Head Quarters, Kingston, Upper Canada, 1st August 1813,
My Lord,
I have the honor to inform Your Lordship that the Enemy con- tinue to occupy the position of Fort George & its immediate vicin- ity, within which they are still more closely circumscribed than when I had the honor of addressing you on the 18th Ult, the Head Quarters of Major General De Rottenburg having since been removed to St David's about seven miles distant from that Fort & our advanced Posts being within four miles of it.
The Enemy's Fleet consisting of two ships, one Brig & eleven Schooners, in all fourteen sailed from Sacket harbour on the 23d ulto & were seen off Niagara on the 27th & off York on the 28th & 29th, and yesterday our Squadron power, fully armed, well equipped, completely manned, & ably commanded as Your Lordship will see by the comparative statement I have the honor herewith of transmitting, left Kingston harbor in search of it. It is scarcely possible that a decisive naval action can be avoided, & I therefore humbly hope that His Royal Highness the Prince Regent will approve of its being courted by us, as a necessary measure for the preservation of the advanced positions of this Army, which I have determined to maintain, until the naval ascendancy on Lake Ontario is decided, convinced that a retrograde movement would eventually endanger the safety of a large proportion of the Troops in Upper Canada, & convert the heart of the Province into the seat of war.
The operations lately carried on in the Chesapeake not having hitherto corresponded with the just expectations of His Majesty's Government by creating a diversion in my favor, & the pressure of the war continuing upon Upper Canada, I have thought it expe- dient to endeavour to call off the Enemy's attention from this Province to the defence of their own Settlements on Lake Cham- plain, by employing Captn. Everard & the officers and Seamen of His Majesty's Sloop of War Wasp, lately arrived from Halifax, to man our Gun boats & the captured American Vessels at Isle aux Noix, for the purpose of joining with a body of eight hundred picked men in making a movement on that Lake, to arrest the progress of the reinforcements moving towards the American Armies at Sacket Harbor under Major Genl. Lewis & at Niagara under 6i
506
COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS.
Major General Dearborn— I have selected an officer of merit & enter- prize for this service & he has received my Instructions to destroy the Vessels & boats of every description along the shore & such public buildings as are used for Military purposes —
He is also to bring away or destroy provisions & warlike stores of every kind which may fall into his possession, but all private property & the persons of the unarmed and inoffensive Inhabitants are to be respected and every care and precaution are to be taken to preserve both inviolate. The arrival of Mr. Dickson from the Missouri with 2000 Indian Warriors has enabled me to resume offensive operations with the left division of the Upper Canada Army under the command of Brigr. Genl. Procter. Major Genl. Harrison having shewn some of his Cavalry & Eiflemen in the Michigan Territory, a forward movement has been made by the Indian warriors supported by a fe\y companies of the 41st Eegt upon Sandusky, from whence they will unite with Tecumseth's band of Warriors employed in investing Fort Meigs.
The occupation by the Enemy of our Frontier Territory on the Niagara Eiver having interrupted our usual mode of communicating with Lake Erie, I have had great difficulties to contend with in supplying the posts at Amherstburg & Michilimackinac, those diffi- culties have however by great exertions been in some measure sur- mounted, and I have, although at a considerable expence been able to transport by a circuitous route by the Grand Eiver to General Procter, a small supply of Indian arms & ammunition which were indispensable, & part of which I have been under the necessity of purchasing, the presents comprizing the requisition of the last year not having yet arrived, the inconvenience of which to the public service is severely felt.
The Naval & Military operations which I have above stated to Your Lordship as going on in three distinct parts of my command, will evince how strong the confidence is in the means tho' compara- tively small which Your Lordship has placed at my disposal for the defence of these Provinces, and notwithstanding Mr. Madison's boastful claim to the naval ascendancy on the Lakes, I have the satisfaction of reporting to Your Lordship for the gracious consid- eration of His Eoyal Highness the Prince Eegent, that His Majesty's Flag waves on Lakes Erie, Ontario & Champlain, & with the Bless- ing of the Almighty I hope soon to be enabled to add that it
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST. 607
waves triumphantly the terror of its arrogant and unprincipled Enemies.
I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
Most obedient
humble Servant
George Peevost.
The Eight Honorable Earl Bathurst. [Q 122, p 116]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 82.]
Head Quarters, Kingston, Upper Canada, 1st August 1813. My Lord,
I do myself the honor to report to Your Lordship that in conse- quence of the great accumulation of Prisoners of War in the Can- adas since the commencement of the Campaign this season, the serious inconvenience attending the occupation of so large a Force for their Security, and for want of a regular Establishment for the care and custody of Prisoners of War, It has become expedient that a transfer should immediately be made of a proportion of them to the Depot in Nova Scotia; —
I have therefore requested Captain Tailour of His Majesty's Ship Regulus to receive on board two of the three Troop Ships under his orders which brought the Eegiment De Meuron from the Medi- terranean, and in their way to England, to land at Halifax, one half of the American Prisoners of War now at Quebec, the probable number for embarkation being about Thirty officers and five Hundred men. —
Such British Subjects as may be found amongst the Prisoners will be embarked in these Vessels, but I have directed that they should be sent on to England, to be delivered over to the orders of the Admiral or Senior officer of His Majesty's Ships in the first port they may arrive at, to be detained until the pleasure of His Majesty's Government is signified respecting the ulterior disposal o£ them.
508
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
I have represented to Captain Tailour that it is of importance to His Majesty's Service that the third Troop Ship, should be detained at Quebec until further orders, that I may have the means of transporting to England the remainder of the American Prisoners, if such a measure should be deemed _ prudent to be resorted to; In the mean time I shall endeavour to avail myself of the employment of its Grew, and have requested Captain Tailour to forward to Kingston immediately for a temporary naval service of a few weeks, two thirds or three fourths of the oflScers and Seamen belonging to the remaining Ship.
I annex for Your Lordship's Information the Copy of a Letter I have thought it necessary to address to Major General Dearborn Com- mander in Chief of the United States Forces upon the subject of Prisoners, apprizing him of the determination I have entered into, called forth from the want of attention on the part of the Amer- ican Government to the communications I have made to it, as stated to Your Lordship in my Dispatch No. 71 of 24th June last, which I hope will meet His Royal Highness the Prince Eegent's approbation.
I have the honour to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obedient
humble Servant
George Prevost.
The Right Honorable Earl Bathurst. [ Q 122, p 125 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO MAJ. GEN. H. DEARBORN.
Head Quarters, Kingston, 1st August 1813.
Sir,
A period of three months has elapsed since my last communica- tion through Your Exoelly to the Government of the United States, upon the subject of the exchange it had undertaken to make without my assent thereto, of Brig. General Hull, & other officers of the American Army, Prisoners of War on their parole, several of whom are now serving in violation of it. As during that period a great accumulation of American Prisoners has taken place in the
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
509
Canadas none of whom in the present state of the above question can be either paroled or exchanged, I have to acquaint Your Excel- lency, that it is my intention to send the one of them immediately to Halifax & that in the event of my not receiving shortly a satis- factory explanation upon the subject of the communication referred to, I shall be under the necessity of sending the remainder to Eng- land, regretting as I certainly shall to be compelled to adopt this latter measure, I shall have the satisfaction of knowing that all the means in my power have been used to bring this subject before your Government with a view to a speedy adjustment of it, to whom alone will the American Prisoners of War have to ascribe their being separated from their families & homes.
At the same time I beg leave to assure you that it will give me the greatest pleasure to find the disposition I have invariably mani- fested on this subject met by a corresponding one on the part of the American Government, & thereby to have the grounds of our present difference respecting it removed.
Your Excellency will I hope be able to afford me an early reply to this communication, but should that not be the case, I have to beg you will without delay transmit it for the consideration of the Government of the United States.
I have the honour to be Sir
With great consideration Your Excellency's
obedient Humble Servant
George Prevost.
His Excellency Major General Dearborn, &c. &c. &c. [ Q 122, p 128 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 83.] My Lord,
I have the honor to acquaint Your Lordship that the Enemy's Fleet of twelve s^il made its appearance off York on the 31st Ulto. the three square rigged Vessels, The Pike, Madison & Oneida came to anchor in the offing, but the Schooners passed up the Harbour and landed several Boats full of Troops at the Garrison, and pro-
<510
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
oeeded from theDoe to the Town of which they took possession. They opened the Goal, liberated the Prisoners, and took away three Soldiers confined for Felony — they then went to the Hospital and paroled the few men that could not be removed — they next entered the Store houses of some Inhabitants and seized their contents, chiefly Flour, the same being private property — between eleven & twelve o'clock that night they returned on board their Vessels — the next morning, Sunday, the 1st Instant the Enemy again landed and sent Three armed Boats up the Kiver Don in search of public stores, of which being disappointed, by sunset both Sailors & Sol- diers had evacuated the Town, the small Barrack, Wood Yard and Store Houses on Gibraltar Point, having been first set on fire by them, and at Daylight the following morning the Enemy's Fleet Sailed. The plunder obtained by the Enemy upon this predatory expedition has been indeed trifling and the loss has altogether fallen upon individuals, the Public stores of every description having been removed and the only Prisoners taken by them being confined Felons and Invalids in Hospital.
The^ Troops which were landed were acting as Marines, and appeared to be about 250 men, — they were under the command of Commodore Chauncey and Lt Col. Scott, an unexchanged Prisoner of war, on his Parole, both of whom landed with the Troops. The Town upon the arrival of the Enemy was totally defenceless, the Militia were still on their parole, and the principal gentlemen had retired from an apprehension of being treated, with the same severity used towards several of the Inhabitants, near Fort George, who had been made Prisoners, and sent to the United States; — Lieut Col. Battersby of the Glengarry Fencibles, with the detachment of Light Troops under his command, who had been stationed at York, was upon the appearance of the Enemy's Fleet off that place, on the 29th Ulto, ordered with his detachment and Light Artillery to pro- ceed for the protection of the Depots formed on Burlington Heights, where he had joined Major Maule's detachment of the 104th Regi- ment, and concentrated his force on the following evening.
The Enemy had during the course of that day landed from the Fleet five hundred men near Brandt's house, with an intention of storming the Heights, but finding Major Maule well prepared to receive them, and being informed of Lieut Colonel Battersby 's march they reembarked, and stood away for York.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
511
My last accounts from Major General De Rottenburg are to the 3d instant, when the Enemy's Fleet had anchored off Niagara.
I have received no tidings of our own Squadron under Sir James Yeo, since its sailing from hence on the 31st Ultimo. I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obedient and
most humble Servant
George Pbevost.
The right Honorable Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c. [ Q 122, p 131 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 88.-] My Lord,
The great danger to which the Detroit Frontier was exposed in consequence of the naval superiority acquired by the Enemy on Lake Erie, from my inability to obtain officers and seamen to man the Vessels I had prepared on it, induced me to move forward to the centre Division under Major General De Kottenburg to enable me from thence to second Major General Procter's undiminished ardour in maintaining an unequal contest; —
That officer is contending not only against a great superiority in numbers but also with extraordinary difficulties in providing provi- sions & supplies for his Regular force and Indian Warriors, not- withstanding the incessant exertions which are daily made by every department of this Army to diminish them; — but a distance of more than eight hundred miles from Quebec, in a new Country presents great obstacles to the Transport Service, some of them almost insur- mountable, until the Superiority on the Lake is obtained by us.
Major General Procter having given way to the clamour of our Indian allies to act offensively moved forward on the 20th Ult. towards the Enemy, with about 350 of the 41st Eegiment, and between three and four thousand Indian Warriors and on the 2nd Inst, attempted to carry by assault the Block Houses and works at Sandusky, where the Enemy had concentrated a considerable force.
512
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
He however soon experienced the timidity of the Indians when exposed to the fire of Musquetry and Cannon in an open Country, and how little dependance could be placed upon their numbers.
Previous to the Assault they could scarcely muster as many hundreds as they had before thousands, and as soon as it had commenced they immediately withdrew themselves from out of reach of the Enemy's fire, they are never a disposable force: —
The handful of His Majesty's Troops employed on this occasion, displayed the greatest bravery, nearly the whole of them having reached the Fort and made every effort to enter it, but a galling and destructive fire being kept up by the Enemy, within the Block Houses, and from • behind the picketting, which completely protected them, and which we had not the means to force, the Major Gen- eral thought it most prudent not to continue longer so unavailing a contest — He accordingly drew off the Assailants and returned to Sandwich with the loss of 25 killed, as many missing and about 40 wounded — amongst the former are Brevet Lt. Colonel Shortt, and Lieut. J. G. Gordon of the 41st Regiment — By subsequent accounts from the Major General dated the 22nd Inst, I find the Enemy had not attempted to advance at that period, and that Captain Barclay who commands on Lake Erie was only waiting the arrival of the oflScers and Seamen (about 50) which I had obtained for that Ser- vice from His Majesty's Troop Ship Dover, and which I trust are now with him, — tho' a very insuflScient proportion, still their arrival may enable his squadron to appear again on the Lake — this rein- forcement, together with that of the Troops, I have ordered forward to the Right division, will I hope enable Major General Procter effectually to resist the Enemy should they attempt to advance against Detroit or Amherstburg, in consequence of their late success.
I am happy to be able to acquaint Your Lordship that it appears by further accounts received from Major Genl. Procter to the 23d Instant, that the Enemy had been disappointed in an attempt to create distrust and disaffection amongst our Indian Allies, by a Deputation of Chiefs sent by them for that purpose, and that in a talk which took place between the Deputies from the American Indians, and the Chiefs of our Indian Warriors, the contempt with which Major General Harrison's proposals were received by the latter, and the determination expressed by them of adhering to the cause of their Great Father in England appeared sensibly to affect the Deputies, and affords strong grounds to believe that the Nations.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
513
whom they represented will not be induced to take up arms either against us or their Indian brethren acting with us.
On my arrival at this Frontier, I found 2000 British Soldiers on an extended line, cooping up in Fort George an American force exceeding 4,000 men; — Feeling desirous of ascertaining in person the extent of the Enemy's works and of viewing the means he possessed for defending the position he occupied, I ordered a general demon- stration to be made on Fort George, to commence by the attack and surprize of all the American Picquets thrown out in its front; This service was executed to my entire satisfaction, the Picquets were driven in, a great part of them being taken, with a very trifling loss, and I found myself close to the Fort, and the new intrenched Camp which is formed on the right of that work, both of them crowded with men, bristled with Cannon, and supported by the Fire from Fort Niagara on the opposite side of the River, but no provocation could induce the American Army to leave their places of shelter, and venture into the Field, where alone I could hope to contend with it successfully — having made a display of my force in vain a deliberate retreat ensued without a casualty ;— I am now satisfied that Fort George is not to be reduced strengthened and supported as it is, by Fort Niagara, without more [^Troops, the co-operation of the Fleet, and a battering Train— to accomplish this object a double operation becomes necessary, Fort Niagara must be invested and both places be attacked at the same moment, but my resources and means do not allow me to contemplate so glorious a termination to the Campaign in Upper Canada.
Should circumstances render it inexpedient in the opinion of His Majesty's Government further to reinforce the Army serving in the Canadas, I trust it will be disposed to direct an additional company of Artillery to be sent to Halifax to replace the second company which I have ordered from thence, as in consequence of the press- ing demands of the Service in Upper Canada, Quebec has been left with a number totally insufficient for the ordinary duties.
Since I had the honor of addressing Your Lordship on the 1st Instant, every possible exertion has been made by Commodore Sir James Yeo, but in vain, to bring the Enemy's Squadron to a deci- sive action, repeatedly has he offered them battle and as repeatedly have they declined it, which their great superiority in sailing, together with the light and baffling winds prevailing on the Lake at this season, has enabled them hitherto effectually to do. 65
514
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
He however was fortunate enough on the night of the 10th Instant to get so close in with the Enemy, as to render an action inevit- able unless they chose to sacrifice two of their schooners in order to avoid it — to this sacrifice they submitted and Sir James had the satisfaction after a few shots had been fired to take possession of two very fine Schooners, the one carrying one long 32 Pounder, and one long 12 Pounder, and the other one long 32 Pounder and two long sixes, with a complement of 40 men each; — having proceeded to York for the purpose of refitting his Prizes he sailed from thence with them in pursuit of the Enemy on the 13th Instant, and hav- ing followed them down the Lake on the 17th again saw them on the 18th, but was unable to come up with them.
On the night preceding that of the capture of the above Vessels, two of the Enemy's largest Schooners, carrying 9 guns each, over set and sunk in carrying sail to keep from our Squadron, and excepting 16 Persons, all on board perished in numbers about one hundred ! —
Sir James has been in Kingston with his Squadron to take in provisions and refit and since sailing from that Port has cruized off York and Niagara, but has not seen anything further of the Enemy's fleet.
I understand that Commodore Chaunoey with his Squadron after the loss of his Schooners on the night of the 10th returned to Saoket's Harbour, from which place he sailed suddenly on the 14th and again returned to it on the 18th pursued by our Fleet. I have not yet been able correctly to ascertain whether he has since left it.
To procrastinate the decision of naval superiority on the Lake seems at present to be the policy which governs the conduct of the Naval & Military Commanders of the United States forces in this quarter, but unless they mean by it ultimately to sacrifice their Army at Fort George, exposed as it will be in the absence of their squadron to a joint operation against it by our land and naval strength, an action on the Lake must I think 'ere long be unavoid- able, and as it was determined when Sir James last sailed to force the Enemy to one, tho' under the Guns of their forts.
I am in hopes in a short time to be able to tell Your Lordship that the long expected contest has terminated gloriously for His Majesty's Arms.
I have great satisfaction in announcing to Your Lordship the safe arrival of the Indian Presents, the want of which we were begin-
COL.-THOS. BARCLAY TO CAPT. TALBOT.
515
ning to feel most severely, and which from their delay in reaching Quebec, it will be almost impossible, notwithstanding the greatest exertions, to forward them in time before the season shall prevent it, to the different posts in Upper Canada.
The arrival at Saoket's Harbour of the American Secretary of War, General Armstrong, accompanied by Genl. Wilkinson, and the previous concentration at that place of a very considerable force, render it necessary that I should immediately return to Kingston, which journey I purpose commencing either to morrow or the next day.
I have the honor to be, My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obedient &
most humble Servant
George Prevost.
The Eight Honble Earl Bathurst. [ Q 122, p 158 1
COL. THOS. BARCLAY TO CAPT. TALBOT.
Harlem, near New York, 2nd August 1813.
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 15th July, enclosing an Extract of a Let- ter from Lt. Miller, Agent for Prisoners of War, I beg leave to inform Wm Ketts Carpenter ^^^^ named in the margin, British Prisoners
H. Y. Beddingfieid of War, have been put into close confinement by way of retaliation for two men, belonging to the United States late Brig Vixen who were taken out of a Cartel coming from the West Indies by Sir J. P. Beresford as native subjects of His Majesty, a representation has been made to His Excellency Sir J. B. Warren by this Government and I have also communicated with him on this subject.
Mr. Lightbody is exchanged, his detention was justifi- able. He had early in the war been made a Prisoner, and got off to Nova Scotia. Vice Admiral Sawyer ordered him on service, and assured him he should be exchanged, he was however unfortunately captured a second time, before he was exchanged, and I shall have to pay for both exchanges, he returns in the Agnes Cartel.
Boatswain of the Swallow Packet and
Jno. Squirrel and James Raseell Seamen of His M's Ship Dragon
for
Jno. 8. Stevens Carpenter, and
Thos. King, Seaman of the late Ameri- can Brig Vixen.
516
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
With respect to the men named in the margin, the conduct of this Government in expecting them from the benefit of exchange, and holding them as objects* on whom they intended to inflict what- ever may be done to the two men late of the Vixen, is in my opin- ion incapable of justification; I have done all in my power, and I have recommended Admiral Sir J. B. Warren to make it a matter of strong remonstrance, and in the event of not succeeding, to retaliate.
I have &o.
Thos. Barclay.
To Captain Talbot, H. M. S. Victorious. [Q 126, p 127 J
COL. THOS. BARCLAY TO SIR J. B. WARREN.
Harlem, near New York, 3d Augt. 1813.
My Dear Sir,
Your private letter of the 24th July I received yesterday, I shall not lose a [moment in making application for the men of your Ship & of the Plantagenet now Prisoners in these States. I am positive this Government will not consent to their being delivered in the Chesapeake they fmay to my sending them to Halifax. Rely on every exertion in my power. The- fact however is that we have so liberally returned them their own men without exchange that they think us incapable of subsisting them & certain of their speedy return, they are therefore very indifferent about repayment in Pris- oners, I sincerely hope you have directed no more to be sent without your orders are at my request.
A Cartel has arrived at Boston in which I shall send every Prisoner to the Eastward the moment I can get Genl. Mason's consent but it is no easy matter to obtain an answer from him. If the Cartel takes those to the Eastward there will remain in these States only a few named in your letter & about a dozen at New Orleans.
The Magnet Cartel having sailed with those at Charlestown & Savannah. I enclose herewith a duplicate of my letter to you of the 14th July, respecting four British Seamen having been put into strict confinement & to be held responsible for what may occur to the 2 men of the Vixen, also Capt. Brass for Capt. Nichols of the
LETTER TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
517
Decatur, Privateer, I am since informed that Captain Woodward is in close confinement for the same cause. Matters are arrived at a fine pass if we are not permitted to punish Americans who are guilty of Crimes & their States are allowed to exercise this right.
I am &c
Thos. Barclay.
Sir J. B. Warren, K. B. [Q 126, p 121]
LETTER TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
[No. 40.]
Downing Street, 12th August 1813.
Lieutenant General Sir Greorge Prevost, Bart, &c. &c. &c. Sir,
I have had the honor of receiving your Dispatch, No 66, of the 6th June inclosing a letter addressed to Your Excellency by M. Genl. Dearborn.
In this letter it is stated that the American Commissary of Pris- oners in London had made it known to His Government, that 23 Soldiers of the 1st 6th & 18th Kegiments of United States Infantry made Prisoners have been sent to England, & held in close confine- ment as British Subjects, & that M. Genl. Dearborn had received Instructions from his Government to put into close confinement 23 British Soldiers, to be kept as Hostages for the safe keeping and restoration in exchange of the Soldiers of the United States who had been sent as above stated to England, and Genl Dearborn apprizes you that in obedience to those Instructions he had put 23 British Soldiers in close confinement to be kept as Hostages.
The persons referred to in this Letter were Soldiers serving in the American Army taken Prisoners at Queenstown & sent home by you that they might be disposed of according to the Pleasure of H. R. H. The Prince Regent, they having declared themselves to be British born Subjects,
Your Excellency has been directed to send home the necessary evidence upon this point, & they are held [in custody to undergo a legal Trial. You will lose no time in communicating to Major General Dearborn that you have transmitted home a copy of his letter to you & that you are in consequence instructed distinctly to state to him that you have received the commands of H. R. H.
618
COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS.
The Prinoe Regent forthwith to put in close confinement 46 Amer-^ ican officers and non commissioned officers to be held as Hostages for the safe keeping of 23 British Soldiers, stated to have been put in close confinement by order of the American Government, and you will at the same time apprize him that if any of the said British Soldiers now under confinement here, have been found guilty, and that the known Law, not only of Great Britain, but of every independant State under similar circumstances has been in consequence executed you have been instructed to select out of the American Officers and non-commissioned Officers, whom you shall have put into confinement as many as may double the number of British Soldiers who shall have been so unwarrantably put to Death, and cause such officers and non-commissioned officers to suffer Death immediately.
And you are further instructed to notify to M. Genl Dearborn that the Commanders of H. M's Armies & Fleets on the Coasts of America have received Instructions to prosecute the war with unmitigated Severity against all Cities Towns and Villages belonging to the United States & against the Inhabitants thereof, if after this communication shall have been duly made to M. Genl. Dear- born, & a reasonable time given for its being transmitted to the American Government, that Government shall unhappily not be deterred from the putting to Death any of the British Soldiers who are now or who may hereafter be kept as Hostages for the purposes stated in the Letter of Major General Dearborn's.
Endorsed: Draft.
Lieut. General Sir George Prevost, Bart, &c. &c. &c. August 1818,
[ Q 121, p 274 ]
JOHN CROKER TO HENRY GOULBURN, ESQ.
Admiralty Office, 15th August 181B.
Sir,
I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit to you herewith for the information of Earl Bathurst a copy of a Letter from the Commissioners for Transports, trans- mitting a letter from Colonel Barclay, together with a Cartel agree- ment entered into between him and the American Commissary Genl.
J. W. CROKER TO COL. JOSEPH BUNBURY.
519
for Prisoners of War, and two letters relative to the detention of British Prisoners; as also a minute of observations made by the Transport Board on the above agreement, with copies of those sev- eral Inclosures: and I have their Lordship's commands to request you will lay these Papers before Lord Bathurst, and move His Lordship to take the pleasure of His Royal Highness the Prince Kegent, and signify the same to my Lords, as to the directions to be given on the subject to which they refer. I am Sir
Your most obedient
humble Servant
Jno. Croker.
Henry Goulburn, Esqr.
Indorsed:
Admiralty, 15 Aug. 1813. Mr. Croker. Ansd. 19th. Six Inclosures.
[ Q 125, p 15B ]
NAMES OF PERSONS CAPTURED IN THE SHIP LADY JOHNSON BY T^E FRENCH
PRIVATEER CORNET.
J. A. Walker, Assistant Commissary, rank of Captain.
Wm. Walker, Conductor of Stores rank of Ensign.
Wm. Thompson, servant to J. A. Walker.
Josh. Emersley, Cook.
Wm. Lambe, Steward.
Mrs. Walker, Lady to J. A. Walker.
Her Child.
CoL. Thos. Barclay.
Eadorsed: 4.
Mr. Croker. 14th Angt. 1813.
[Q 125, p 124]
J. W. CROKER TO COL. JOSEPH BUNBURY.
Admiralty Office, 16 August 1813.
Sir,
Having laid before My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty your letter of the 14th Instant, inclosing, by direction of Earl Bathurst, copies of two letters addressed by His Lordship to Lieut General Sir George Prevost, on the subject of the confinement of
520
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
a certain number of British Prisoners of War, by order of the American Government, to be held as Hostages for the same number of men taken from the Enemy & sent to England for Trial as British Subjects; I have their Lordship's commands to acquaint you that they have sent copies of those Letters to Admiral Sir John Borlase Warren, with directions to him to conform strictly to the Instructions therein contained, as far as relates to the Naval Forces under his command
I am Sir
Your most humble Servant
J. W. Croker.
Colonel Bunbnry, &ca. &ca. &ca. [ Q 125, p 202 ]
JAMES GLENIE TO EARL BATHURST.
19 George Street, Adelphi, 25th August 1813.
To the Eight Honbie Earl Bathurst, &ca. &ca. &ca. My Lord,
Last Autumn before I went to the Continent of Europe I gave to Viscount Sidmouth and partly at his own request a few observa- tions in regard to the most advantageous mode of conducting our present unfortunate Dispute with the United States of America. Had I been personally known to Your Lordship, I would have delivered them to you as more immediately connected with the affairs of your department.
Detroit which is about 316 miles above Niagara and on which Sir Frederick Haldimand when Governor and Commander in Chief in Canada before it was divided into Upper & Lower spent consid- erable sums, was also ceded to them, as was likewise Fort Michili- mackinac which is about 360 miles above Detroit, and to which and the Grand Portage, that is 450 miles farther, the Indian Tribes even in the neighborhood of Hudson's Bay used frequently to bring Furs.
ADMIRAL GRIFFITH TO COMMISSIONERS FOR TRANSPORTS. 521
Lake Huron is about 340 miles long and 80 broad. It does not ireeze.
I have the honor to be with much respect
Your Lordship's
most obedient and
very humble Servant
James Glenik
Endorsed:
George Street Adelphi, 25 Augt. 1813. Mr. Glenie.
[ Q 126, p 21 ]
BEAR ADMIRAL ED. GRIFFITH TO COMMISSIONERS FOR TRANSPORTS.
Centurion, Halifax, 1st Sept 1813.
Oentn,
You will learn from Lieut Miller your Agent at this place, that the 450 American Prisoners arrived here in the Regulus and Mel- pomene from Quebec. This accession to the number already in con- finement at Melville Island has filled both the Prison & Prison Ships there as full as they ought to be & should the exchange be stopt, which there seems to be some reason to apprehend, they will soon become crowded beyond what would be consistent with either the security or Health of the Prisoners. I have therefore thought it advisable to send to England one hundred in the Regulus & in the hope that it may have the effect of deterring the American Seamen from serving in Privateers I have ordered them to be selected from amongst the crews of such as have fallen into our Hands — and sending even this small number to England may have a salutary effect in another respect, namely, that of convincing the American Government that whatever inconvenience we may find in subsisting our Prisoners they will no longer be released unless regu- larly exchanged.
The Melpomene carries the British subjects taken in Arms in Upper Canada & sent here by Sir G. Prevost to be transferred to England.
You will herewith receive copies of a Letter on Service & of a private letter from Col. Barclay to Sir J. B. Warren & copies of letters from Col. Barclay to Genl. Mason, & to Captain Talbot of
H. M. S. Victorious.
66
522
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
These letters came in a Despatch by the last Cartel & in the absence of the Commander in Chief I was induced to open them. The Inclosures therein alluded to did not accompany them. Referring to the Colonels recommendation of immediately retaliating on the Americans in our possession for the severities exercised on British Subjects, Prisoners of War in the United States, I have by the advice and with the concurrence of Sir J. C. Sherbrooke, the Lieut. Governor of this Province taken on myself to act on Col. Barclay's recommendation & accordingly have given directions for immediately shutting up in the Goal of this Town two American Prisoners of WarJ for every British subject of whose confinement in the Goals of the United States satisfactory Proofs have been obtained.
I would next beg leave to call the attention of the Board to the establishment of Melville Island.
On a late^ visit there, in company with the Lieut Governor the very insecure state of the Prison yard and of the Defences for the guard over the Prisoners was made so manifest by the observations of the Chief Engineer that at the suggestion & by the advice of the Lieut Governor, I have ventured to direct the works recom- mended for the security of the whole, a plan of which was sent to the Board last year by Lieut Miller, to be taken in hand without delay & I have no doubt but that they will be completed in a short time & at a moderate expence. But should the Exchange of Pris- oners with the United States, cease altogether, the establishment here must be enlarged.
: " : I am &c.
Ed. Griffith,
The Commrs. for Transports. Rr. Adml.
[ Q 126, p 111 ]
MAJ. GEN. HENRY PROCTER TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
Sandwich, 5th [13th?] September 1813.
Sir,
With the deepest sorrow I have to acquaint Your Excellency that His Majesty's Vessels upon this Lake* sailed under the command of Captain Barclay at three o'clock P. M. on the 9th Inst to seek the Enemy.f
* Detroit, Qaeea Charlotte, Lady Prevost. Hanter, Little Belt, Chippewa. Two Ships, one Brig, Two SchooDers, one Sloop.
t Nine Sail, Two Brigs carrying each 18-32 [20-32 ?] Pounder Carronades and Two long 12 Pounders.
GENERAL PROCTOR TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
The Fleets met among the Islands, I understand from Lieut Colonel Warburton, who saw the Battle from an elevated situation about fifteen miles below Amherstburg, that it lasted from mid-day on the 10th Instant until half past three o'clock, during which the firing was incessant and the Vessels appeared to be very near each other. The Spectators were fully impressed with the idea that our Fleet were victorious, but with grief I say it, circumstances have since placed it beyond a doubt, that the whole of our Fleet have been taken or destroyed — the wind was quite fair for Amherstburg, the whole of the 10th and 11th Instant — No accounts from, or of Cap- tain Barclay, and on the latter day eleven vessels evidently under the one Flag were seen working down the Lake: — ^This on many accounts may be looked on as a most disastrous circumstance.
I evidently cannot maintain my present extensive position as the Enemy will now have the undisputed command of these waters by which he will be enabled to turn my Flank and cut us off probably in detail — ^I have made my arrangements to fall back on the Thames — ^the women & sick I send off to-morrow: — the Stores &c shall be removed with all convenient expedition; — ^Depots with Ovens I am endeavouring to form at proper distances; the management of the Indians may be a delicate, a difficult affair — I trust I shall succeed in bringing them to this side of the Strait and on the Thames:— It will be requisite to send the Indian Goods to the Thames; — I am endeavouring to get the Road thro' the wilderness rendered more passable. The first measure to be taken, and immediately is to erect Block houses, connecting them with Picketting, on a most eligible piece of ground, that over looks Turkey Point. The ground points itself out: — if this measure is not immediately adopted both General De Rottenburg's safety and mine will be endangered — The work of the description I mention, to contain from three to five hundred men can be quickly constructed by the aid of the Militia of that quarter who are most expert Axmen, and I am confident from dear bought experience, may be maintained by our Troops against any Body of the Enemy; — I beg to observe to Your Excellency that if we are drawn off from the Thames, especially before the Indians settle thereabout, they will look on us as deserting them : which I conceive we cannot do — -in honor or Policy, nor should we permit the Enemy to get possession of the Thames; — ^I still hope to make him very uncomfortable after my falling back — tho' Your Excellency is aware that with the Fleet I lost my Ordnance and one third of my Regular Force — I still think we may preserve this District and
524 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS, ']
drive the Enemy out of the Country we must quit for the present, | — Michilimaokinac will require immediate attention. — Just before 1 Captain Barclay and I parted, he observed to me that if he should ^ not survive the action, which I do not expect he has, " You can speak to my having done my Duty to the present Hour, "—which I now do most decidedly. — No officer could possibly do more, he ; has only been unfortunate — ^When we can hear, it will be found to have been a most severe, a most sanguinary conflict: — > The Enemy must have had every advantage in the equipment of ] their Vessels, Weight of Metal, and numbers, being well manned i with Seamen. — I have delayed a few hours in the expectation of learning the views and wishes of the Indian Body, as well as of ] some information respecting the afflicting loss of our ill fated Fleet — having sent some Canoes to the Islands for that purpose; — I shall \ wait no longer but write as soon as I have acquired any further information.
I have the Honor to be
Sir J Your most obedient
Humble Servant ' Henry Procter, i Major Genl. Oommadg. '
His Excellency Lt. Genl. Sir George Prevost, Bart, &g. &c. &c., Kingston.
[ Q 122, p 183 ]
GEORGE INGLIS TO CAPT. R. H. BARCLAY.
His Majesty's late Ship Detroit, 10th Sept. 1813.
Sir,
I have the honor to transmit to you an account of the termina- tion of the late unfortunate action with the Enemy's Squadron.
On coming on the Quarter Deck, after your being wounded, the enemy's second Brig at that time on our weather Beam, shortly afterwards took a position on our weather Bow, to rake us, to pre- vent which in attempting to wear to get our starboard broadside to bear upon her, a number of the Guns of the Larboard Broadside being at this time disabled, fell on board the Queen Charlotte, at this time running up to Leeward of us, in this situation the two Ships remained for some time, as soon as we got clear of her, I
CAPTAIN BARCLAY TO COMMODORE YEO.
525
ordered the Queen Charlotte to Shoot ahead of us if possible, and attempted to back our Fore Topsail to get astern, but the Ship laying completely unmanageable, every Brace cut away, the Mizen Topmast and Gaff down, all the other masts badly wounded, not a stay left forward, hull shattered very much, a number of the Guns disabled, and the Enemy's Squadron raking both ships, ahead and astern, none of our own in a situation to support us, I was under the painful necessity of answering the Enemy to say we had struck, the Queen Charlotte having previously done so.
I have the honor to be
&c
George Inglis,
Captain Barclay.
Endorsed: 3.
Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 11, 25 Novr. 1813.
[ Q 128, p 63 ]
capt. r. h. barclay to commodore james l. yeo.
His Majesty's late Ship Detroit, Put in Bay, Lake Erie, 12 September 1813.
Sir,
The last letter I had the honor of writing to you dated the 6th Instant, I informed you that unless certain intimation was Keceived of more Seamen being on their way to Amherstburg, I should be obliged to sail with the Squadron deplorably manned as it was, to fight the Enemy (who Blockaded the Port) to enable us to get supplies of Provisions and Stores of every description, so perfectly destitate of Provisions was the Port that there was not a days Flour in Store, and the crews of the Squadron under my command were on half allowance of many things, and when that was done there was no more, — -such were the motives which induced Major General Procter (whom by your instructions I was instructed to consult, and whose wishes I was enjoined to execute as far as relates to the good of the Country), to concur in the necessity of a Battle being risqued under the many disadvantages which I laboured and it now remains for me, the most melancholy task to relate to you the unfortunate issue of the Battle as well as the many untoward circumstances that led to that event.
526
COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS.
No intelligence of Seamen having arrived I sailed on the 9th Inst fully expecting to meet the enemy next morning, as they had been seen among the Islands, nor was I mistaken, soon after day- light they were seen in motion in Put in Bay, the wind then at South West and light, giving us the weather gage, — I bore up for them in hopes of bringing them to action among the Islands, but that intention was soon frustrated by the wind suddenly shifting to the South East which brought the Enemy directly to windward.
The line was formed according to a given plan, so that each ship might be supported against the superior force of the two Brigs opposed to them ; — about ten the Enemy had cleared the Islands and immediately bore up under easy sail, in a Line abreast, each Brig being also supported by the small Vessels; — at a quarter before twelve I commenced the action by firing a few long Guns, about a quarter past, the American Commodore also supported by two Schooners, one carrying four long 12 Pounders — the other a long thirty two, and twenty four pounder, came to close action with the Detroit — ^the other Brig of the Enemy apparently destined to engage the Queen Charlotte, supported in like manner by two Schooners kept so far to windward as to render the Queen Char- lotte's 24 pounder Carronades useless, — while she was with the Lady Prevost exposed to the heavy and destructive fire of the Caledonia and four other Schooners, armed with long and heavy Guns, like those I have already described.
Too soon, alas, was I deprived of the services of the noble and intrepid Captain Finnis, who soon after the commencement of the action fell, and with him fell my greatest support. — Soon after Lieu- tenant Stokoe of the Queen Charlotte was struck senseless by a splinter which deprived the Country of his services at this very critical period — As I perceived the Detroit had enough to contend with, without the prospect of a fresh Brig; — ^Provincial Lieutenant Irvine who then had charge of the Queen Charlotte behaved with great courage, but his experience was much too limited, to supply the place of such an ojSBoer as Captain Finnis, hence she proved of far less assistance than I expected. —
The action continued with great fury until half past two, when I perceived my opponent drop astern, and a Boat passing from him to the Niagara (which Vessel was at this time perfectly fresh) the American Commodore seeing that as yet the day was against him (his Vessel having struck soon after he left her) and also the very 'defenceless state of the Detroit, which ship was now a perfect wreck
CAPTAIN BARCLAY TO COMMODORE YEO.
527
principally from the raking fire of the Gun Boats, and also that the Queen Charlotte was in such a situation that I could receive very little assistance from her, and the Lady Prevost being at this time too far to leeward from her Rudder being injured, made a noble and alas to successful an effort to regain it, for he bore up and supported by his Small Vessels passed within Pistol shot and took a raking position on our bow, nor could I prevent it, as the unfortunate situation of the Queen Charlotte prevented us from wearing, in attempting it we fell on board her: — ^my gallant first Lieutenant Garland was now mortally wounded, and myself so severely that I was obliged to quit the Deck.
Manned as the Squadron was with not more than fifty British seamen, the rest a mixed crew of Canadians and Soldiers, and who were totally unacquainted with such service rendered the loss of oflScers more sensibly felt and never in any action was the loss more severe, every oflScer commanding Vessels, and their seconds, was either killed, or wounded so severely as to be unable to keep the Deck.
Lieutenant Buchan in the Lady Prevost behaved most nobly and did everything that a brave and experienced officer could do, in a vessel armed with 12 Pounder Carronades, against vessels carrying long guns, — I regret to state that he was very severely wounded — ■ Lieutenant Bignal (of the Dover) commanding the Hunter displayed the greatest intrepidity, but his guns being small 2, 4, & 6 pounders he could be of much less service than he wished.
Every officer in the Detroit behaved in the most exemplary man- ner, Lieutenant Inglis, shewed such calm intrepidity that I was fully, convinced that on leaving the Deck I left the Ship in excellent hands, rfnd for an account of the Battle after that, I refer you to his Letter, which he wrote me for your information.
Mr. Hoffmeister, Purser of the Detroit, nobly volunteered his ser- vices on deck & behaved in a manner that reflects the highest honor on him, I regret to add that, he is very severely wounded in the Knee.
Provincial Lieutenant Purvis and the military officers Lieut Gar- den of the Royal Newfoundland Regt. and O'Keefe of the 41st Regiment, behaved in a manner which excited my warmest admira- tion— the few British Seamen I had behaved with their usual intrepidity, and as long as I was on the Deck, the Troops behaved with a calmness and courage worthy of a more fortunate issue to their exertions.
528
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
The weather gage gave the EDemy a prodigious advantage as it enabled them, not only to choose their position, but their distance also, which they did in such a manner as to prevent the Carron- ades of the Queen Charlotte and Lady Prevost from having much effect, while their long guns did great execution particularly against the Queen Charlotte.
Captain Perry has behaved in a most humane and attentive man- ner, not only to myself and OflBcers, but to all the wounded.
I trust that, although unsuccessful you will approve of the motives that induced me to sail under so many disadvantages, and that it may be hereafter proved, that under such circumstances the honor- of His Majesty's Flag has not been tarnished.
I enclose a List of killed and wounded, and have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient humble Servant
K. H. Barclay, Commander & late Senior Officer. To Commodore Sir James L. Yeo, Bt., &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: 2.
Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 111. 25:Novr. 1813.
[Q123, p55]
MAJ. GEN. HENRY PROCTER TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
Sandwich, 21st September 1818.
Sir,
I have the honor to acquaint Your Excellency that the Enemy have been reconnoitred at, and in the vicinity of the Islfeds, by an Officer of the Indian Department in a Birch Canoe, who has seen seven Vessels some of them large standing into Carrying Bay situated between those of Sandwich and Miamie, and soon after heard a salute fired of fifteen guns; — He also discovered in Put in Bay four large Vessels with their Lower Masts in and two rigged Vessels, one of which, a gun Boat came out & chased the Canoe.
We must expect the Enemy soon & with their increased Naval Force, and which we unfortunately have not the means of opposing with any effect. —
My sick & also the Women & children are on the River Thames — The Stores likewise are there and on the way by water and land carriage, the little remaining Ordnance is sent off except the Field —
GENERAL HENRY PROCTOR TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST. 529
some shot must be disposed of so as not to fall into the possession of the Enemy. —
Your Excellency will perceive, that the Enemy having the com- mand of the Waters, would be able to cut off my supplies and my Retreat were I to remain in my present extensive position I have therefore determined to fall back and make a stand on the Thames. — ■
I have in some degree succeeded in bringing the Indians to reason, — I am in expectation that the principal part of them will accompany us. —
Many are arrived at this side of the Strait with their Families; — the necessity of a speedy supply of Indian goods is apparent — it should also be large.
The Enemy is on the advance in very considerable Force, accom- panied by their small vessels & Gun Boats, — it would be too haz- ardous to fight them on the other side as our Retreat might be outt ojff so easily.
I have neither Salt Pork nor Salt and but little Flour, so that my Rear must be open to supplies or I must fall from the want of Provisions alone independant of other wants which I trust will convince Your Excellency of the necessity of the measures I feel myself under the necessity of taking.
I feel the weight of my responsibility, I shall act to the best of my Judgment and hope I shall be fairly judged; —
I perceive in a Letter from Lt. Colonel Murray, the intention of making me responsible for the loss of the fleet under the command of Captain Barclay : I shall enclose Your Excellency the Extract in question — the quitting of my present position must cause the heavi- est loss to many who cannot remain behind us — those who accom- pany us I propose to pay as Militia, the Officers will be out of proportion to the men but I suppose Your Excellency will approve of the measure which is similar to what was followed during the American Rebellion in similar circumstances. I have the honor to be
Your Excellency's
most obedt. hum. Servant
Henry Procter, -
Major Genl. Commdg.
His Excellency Lt. Genl. Sir George Prevost, &ca. &ca. <feca,
[ Q 122, p 265 ] 67
530
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO ADMIRAL SIR J. B. WARREN.
Head Quarters, Montreal, 26tli Septemr 1813.
Sir,
I have to aokDOwledge the honor of your letter of the 24th August and thank you for your prompt compliance with my request for a supply of seamen for the Lake Service. Two hundred men, part of them brought by the Narcissus & the remainder being the crew of the Indian are now on their way from Quebec and are hourly expected here.
It is to be deeply regretted that my letter of the 24th of elune which was sent in Duplicate from Quebec in the beginning of July by the Halifax Mail * and by a Vessel direct for that place, did not reach you in time to enable you to furnish me with this supply at an earlier period; had it arrived a few weeks ago it might, and probably would have prevented the disaster which hag happened to our Fleet on Lake Erie, & which has I fear deprived us of the whole of our Naval Force in that Quarter.
By accounts from Major General Procter of the 13th Inst, I find that the encreasing distress of his Army for Provisions had obliged Captain Barclay with the Detroit, Queen Charlotte, Lady Prevost, Hunter, Erie, and Chippawa, tho' the Squadron was very weakly manned and imperfectly armed, to sail on the 9th Inst, in pursuit of the Enemy's Fleet, for the purpose of opening the communica- tion by Long Point where a DepCt of Provisions was established, & from whence alone they could be procured.
On the 10th he fell in with the Enemy's Flotilla off Sandusky Islands consisting of nine sail, two of them large Brigs, each carry- ing 20 32 pr. Carronades when an action took place which lasted for three hours and a half, and in which the Spectators who saw it from a distance supposed that we were the Victors — but on the following day eleven sail under one Flag were seen working down the Lake, and on the 13th no account whatever had been received of or from Captain Barclay, altho' the scene of action was only 25 miles distant from Amherst Bay, and the wind had been fair for him to return to that place for two days. Genl. Procter has there- fore concluded, and I fear with too much reason, that the whole of our Fleet has been either taken or destroyed.
* The letter Sir George Prevost here alluded to could not arrive at Halifax in lese than three weeks, which is the quickest rate of the Post from Quebec to Nova Scotia and the moment it did arrive it was acted upon, as the Narcissus sailed with the Reinforcement of Seamen from the Marlboro, on the 6th Sept., the Indian had previously arrived at Quebec. J. B. Wabben.
JOHN ARMSTRONG TO COMMANDING OPPICBR AT FT. GEORGE. 531
ThiB misfortune has deprived General Procter of near Three hun- dred valuable officers & men embarked on board the squadron as Marines, and will probably oblige him to retire from Amherst Bay, no longer tenable with his small remaining Force & from the loss of the Guns taken from the Battery to arm the Detroit.
Under these circumstances I feel it my duty to press most strongly upon you the necessity of affording me the immediate assistance of the corps of Marines, and of the Artilley under the command of Sir Sidney Beckwith.
It is the only reinforcement to which I can now look before the winter sets in, & has become indispensable for the supply of the great losses we have lately experienced both from sickness and otherwise.
I send this by an Express to Halifax in the hope of its finding you and the Troops under Sir Sidney arrived there, and in the confident expectation should that prove the case of hearing of their being in the River before the end of the next month.
I have &c
George Prevost. The Right Honble Admiral Sir J. B. Warren, K. B., &ca. &ca. &ca. [ Q 126, p 151 ]
I
JOHN ARMSTRONG TO THE COMMANDING OFFICER AT FORT GEORGE.
War Department, October 4th 1813.
Sir,
Understanding that the defence of the Post committed to your oharge may render it proper to destroy the town of Newark, you are hereby directed to apprise its Inhabitants of this circumstance and to invite them to remove themselves and their effects to some place of greater safety.
I am Sir
&ca. &ca. &ca.
John Armstrong. The Commanding officer at Fort George, Upper Canada.
EJndorsed: In No. 134.
[ Q 127, p 141 ]
532
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
COL. THOMAS BAEOLAY TO SIR GEOEGE PEEVOST.
Washington, 22nd October 1813.
SlE,
In my letter of the 4th of October, I stated to you the proposal I then made to the American Commissary General of Prisoners, General Mason, relative to an Exchange of Prisoners. As I was daily expected at this place, he declined accepting it, so that you will be pleased to consider that letter as null.
I have this day entered into an agreement with him for an Exchange of the British Forces appertaining to your command, and the American Prisoners captured by you, on the conditions following.
The whole of the British Officers, non-commissioned officers & Privates, now Prisoners at Greenbush, Pittsfield, and Cheshire in the States of New York and Massachusetts are to be immediately forwarded to Burlington in Vermont, there to remain until an answer from the officer commanding at Montreal, to whom I now write, is sent to Major Melville, Marshall, or to the officer commanding at Burlington, whether the American Prisoners who remained in Canada, after the departure of those who were sent to Halifax in His Majesty's Ships Regulus and Melpomene, in August are still in Canada; if this is the case the British Prisoners are instantly to be moved forward and delivered to the first British post sufficiently respectable to receive them; The amount is supposed to be about three hundred persons, otherwise they will be marched back to their present Dep5ts.
On their delivery in Canada I have engaged that you will order to be deliver'd at the American advanced post, all the American Prisoners, officers & men now in Canada, and that you will on the receipt of this, give the necessary orders for their being marched forward to the Lines for delivery; the moment the British are received or as soon as possible thereafter. The equivalent number of the American Prisoners will exceed that of the British, but as this Gov- ernment appears inclined to keep good faith, & a further exchange is immediately to be made, I hope you will have no objection to the delivery of the whole, save such as are detained on principles of retaliation.
The men of the Regiment (I think of De Watteville) who were lately captured on Lake Ontario, are to be immediately marched to Salem in Massachusetts there to be embarked for Halifax Nova Scotia for the Troops before mentioned sent thither from Quebec, I did all in my power to induce this Government to send the
COL. THOS. BARCLAY TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
533
whole of the British Prisoners by Land into Canada; but it appears so hurt at the removal of the Americans from Quebec to Halifax, that it would only agree to a delivery of part by Land, and the remainder by water.
I am urging General Mason to consent to the immediate removal of th3 British Prisoners taken on Lake Erie on the 10th Sept. and those belonging to the late command under Brigdr. Genl. Procter from Chilicothe in the State of Ohio, and Pittsburg in Pennsyl- vania, to the Head of Lake Erie, there to embark them on board Vessels & send them to Niagara, or the nearest British Post above or below that place. He expresses his readiness to adopt the meas- ure, but at the same time he fears that owing to the advanced period of the Autumn, the Lakes will be render'd impassable before the Troops can be marched to Lake Erie, and conveyed to Niagara. I shall do all in my power to obtain this measure, being equally desirous with Your Excellency, to restore the Prisoners to you as soon as possible.
The present agreement with Genl. Mason, and myself, is, that the respective Prisoners, now to be delivered, are to be on parole, until he and myself receive the returns, when an exchange is immediately to be made.
I will therefore thank you to direct that Lists are forwarded to me of the British Prisoners received, and of the Americans deliv- er'd, their names, Bank &c.
In consequence of one hundred and one Seamen, and fifty nine Soldiers, American Prisoners, having been sent from Halifax to England, many of them British Subjects, Deserters, and the remain- der of them subjects or supposed to be subjects of His Majesty — this Government has put an equal number of British Prisoners of War in close confinement to be held responsible for whatever may await those sent to England.
I have the honor to be
&ca. &ca. &oa.
Thos. Barclay.
To His Excellency Lieut. Genl. Sir Geo. Prevost, Bart, &c. &g. &g.
[ Q 123, p 34 ]
534
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
SIR GEOEGE PREYOST TO COL. THOMAS BARCLAY.
Head Quarters, Montreal, 27th October 1813.
Sir,
I have the honor to transmit to you a copy of a Dispatch I have received from Earl Bathurst and to acquaint you, that, in obedience to the orders of his Majesty's Government therein signified to me, I have placed Twenty Officers and Twenty six non commis- sioned Officers of the American Army, whose names are enclosed, in close confinement.
Three General Officers, and 15 other officers of different Ranks, according to the List herewith transmitted still remain at Quebec on Parole, but the remainder of the Soldiers and seamen amounting to about five hundred men, I have thought fit to send to Halifax not having the means of providing for them during the winter.
Eegretting, as I sincerely do, this necessary act of severity and retaliation which I have communicated to Major Genl. Wilkinson, I have thought fit to apprize you of it, that you may, should any representation be made to you upon the subject, be enabled to point out to the American Government the cause of it, and the means in its power of relieving those who are suffering for it, by the immediate discharge from confinement of the Twenty three British Soldiers Prisoners of war so unjustly imprisoned.
I have had the honor of your letters of the 20th July, the 26th and Slst August and 1st Septr, the former only reached me a day or two ago, the information you require in it shall be furnish 'd to you as soon as it can be procured.
Col Gardner has been received by me and admitted to the exer- cise of his functions, as American Agent of Prisoners.
With regard to the complaint of Dr. McKeehan and the case of Mr. Dickson, and other unoffending Inhabitants of Niagara, made Prisoners of War, they shall receive as early a consideration as I can afford to them.
Your letter of the 30th gave me reason to hope, that the differ- ent questions which had arisen respecting the Exchange of Prisoners, and the treatment they had received, would have been finally adjusted before this time by an arrangement for a general Exchange, and a letter from Major General Wilkinson of the 25th Sept assures me that he had been informed, by the Secretary at War, that an adjust- ment had taken place in relation to the Exchange of Prisoners between our respective nations: but as I have not received any com-
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO COL. THOS. BARCL.A.Y.
535
municatioD from you on this head, I must either conclude, that no such adjustment has taken place, or that the information of it, which you have transmitted to me, has been purposely withheld by the American Government.
The letter from General Wilkinson encloses the copy of one addressed to him, by Mr. Munroe, containing a long and laboured vindication of the conduct of the American Government with regard to the Exchange of Genl. Hull and the other oflScers; exchanged for the Eoyals; being in answer to my letters of the 2Ist April & 1st Augt. last. As I still indulge the hope that this question may have been put to rest by the arrangement you have enter'd into with the American Commissary General of Prisoners, I have not thought it necessary to make those comments upon Mr. Munroe's letter, it would otherwise have called for. I shall merely observe to you that he attempts to justify the exchange of those oflBcers upon the ground of my having put the Royals into service without being previously exchanged by his Government, or by any person authorized by them altho' he admits that I had reason to suppose they had been exchanged when I so employed them — This plea might have avail'd the American Government, had I persisted in considering the Royals as exchanged after their refusal to assent to it, but so far from this being the case, as soon as their dissent was made known to me, I authorized Maj. Murray, who had proceeded with a Flag of Truce for that purpose to General Dearborn, to exchange them for an equal number of oflScers & men whom I had allowed to go from Quebec to Boston on Parole, at the same time that I positively refused my assent to the Exchange declared of them for Genl. Hull & the other American oflBcers.
This part of the question Mr. Munroe does not think fit to notice, nor that respecting the Right, assumed by his Government against which I have contended, of selecting such officers as they should think fit, without my consent, to be exchanged for the oflBcers men of the Royals.
I am happy to find that my remonstrance against the assumption of this right has been approved of by His Majesty's Government,, as signified to me in a Dispatch from Lord Bathurst, and in which I have received pointed directions how to act in the event of the American Govmt declining to admit the principle that the mutual consent of both Governments is necessary to the ratification of an Exchange,
636
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Mr. Munroe indeed sets out with laying down this principle, & yet, strange to say, would justify his Government in departing from it, because, as he pretends, I had set the example, altho' it was well known to him I had offer'd to exchange the Royals in the manner I have already stated. I have been induced to make these observations to you that you might clearly understand the true grounds which the American Government has taken for its conduct on this occasion, and that you might place in its proper light should an opportunity occur, and you might think it necessary to do so.
I have the honor to be
&ca. &ca. &ca. George Prevost,
Commr. of the Forces.
To Thomas Barclay, Esqr., British Agent for Prisoners of War.
Endorsed: 1.
In Sir G. Prevoet's No. 101 of 30 Octr. 1813.
[ Q 122, p 271 ]
ED WARD BAYNES, ADJ. GEN., RESPECTING U. S. PRISONERS.
Royal,
Arms.
Head Quarters, Montreal, 27th October 1813. General Orders.
His Excellency the Governor General and Commander of the Forces, having transmitted to His Majesty's Government a letter from Major General Dearborn, stating that the American Commissary of Pris- oners in London had made it known to his Government, that Twenty three Soldiers of the 1st 6th and] 13th Regiments of United States Infantry, made Prisoners, had been sent to England, and held in close confinement as British Subjects, and that Major Gen. Dearborn had received Instructions from his Government, to put into close confinement Twenty three British Soldiers, to be kept as Hostages for the safe keeping and restoration in exchange of the Soldiers of the United States, who had been sent as above stated
GENERAL ORDERS.
537
to England ;— in obedience to which instructions he had put Twenty three British Soldiers into close confinement to be kept as Hostages; and the persons referred to in Major Genl. Dearborn's Letter, being soldiers serving in the American Army, taken Prisoners at Queens- town, who had declared themselves to be British born subjects, and were held in Custody in England, there to undergo a legal Trial.
His Excellency the Commander of the Forces has received the commands of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, through the Right Honorable the Earl Bathurst, Secretary of State, to lose no time in communicating to Major General Dearborn, that he has trans- mitted the copy of his letter, and that he is in consequence instructed, distinctly to state to Major General Dearborn, that His Excellency has received the commands of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent forthwith to put in close confinement, forty six American oflBcers and non-commissioned officers, to be held as hostages for the safe keeping of the twenty three British Soldiers sfated to have been put in close confinement by order of the American Government.
And he is at the same time to apprize him that the said British Soldiers shall suffer death, by reason that the soldiers now under confinement in England have been found guilty, and that the Known Law, not only of Great Britain, but of every independant state under similar circumstances, has been in consequence executed, he has been instructed to select out of the American Officers and non- commissioned officers put into confinement as many as may double the number of British Soldiers who shall have been so unwarrant- ably put to death, and cause such officers & nori commissioned officers to suffer death immediately.
And His Excellency is further instructed to notify to Major Gen- eral Dearborn that the Commanders of His Majesty's Armies, and Fleets on the Coast of America have received instructions to prose- cute the war with unmitigated severity against all cities, Towns & Villages, belonging to the United States and against the Inhabitants thereof if after this communication shall have been duly made to Maj. Gen. Dearborn, and a reasonable time given for its .being transmitted to the American Government, that Government shall unhappily not be deterred from putting to death any of the soldiers who now are, or who may hereafter be kept as hostages for the purposes stated in the letter from Major General Dearborn.
His Excellency the Commander of the Forces in announcing to the Troops the commands of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, is 68
538
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
confident that they will feel sensible of the paternal solicitude which His Royal Highness has evinced for the protection of the person & honor of the- British Soldiers, thus grossly outraged in contempt of justice, humanity and the law of nations, in the persons of Twenty three soldiers placed in close confinement as hostages for an equal number of Traitors, who have been guilty of the base and unnatural crime of raising their parricidal arms against that Country which gave them birth, and who have been delivered over for legal trial to the just laws of their offended Country.
The British Soldier will feel this unprinoipaled outrage, added to the galling insults and cruel barbarities that are daily wantonly inflicted on many of his unfortunate comrades, who have fallen into the Enemy's hands as additional motives to excite his determined resolution never to resign his liberty but with his life, to a for so regardless of all sense of honour, justice and the right of war.
Edward Baynes, Adj. Gen. British North America.
[ Q 122, p 280. ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 100.]
Head Quarters, Montreal, BOfch October 1813.
My Lord,
Since I had the honor of addressing Your Lordship in my Dis- patch No 90 of the 22d Sept. last, the enclosed is the only com- munication I have received from Major General Procter.
I have however been informed from other quarters, that he com- menced his Retreat from Sandwich on the 24th of that month having previously dismantled the Posts of Amherstburg and Detroit, and totally destroyed the public buildings and Stores of every description, that on the 5th of October following when within a few miles of a strong position which it was his intention to take up at the Moravian Village on the River Thames, he was attacked by so over- whelming a force under Major General Harrison, that, the small numbers he had with him, consisting of not more than Four Hundred and Fifty Regular Troops were unable to withstand it and conse- quently compelled to disperse, that he had afterwards rallied the remains of his Division and retired upon Ancaster on the Grand River without being pursued by the Enemy, and where he had
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
539
collected the scattered remains of his Force amountiDg to about Two hundred men, and had with it subsequently reached Burlington Heights the Headquarters of Major General Vincent; —
Tecumseth at the Head of Twelve Hundred Indian warriors accom- panied our little Army in its retreat from Sandwich, and the Prophet as well as his Brother, Tecumseth, were of the most essential ser- vice in preserving it from annihilation and in arresting the further advance of the Americans, but as to the extent of our loss on this occasion or the particulars of this disastrous affair I am as yet ignorant, — Major General Procter having signified to Major Gen. De Rotten- burg commanding in the Upper Province, that he had sent a Flag of Truce to General Harrison to ascertain the fate of the officers & soldiers who were missing, and requesting his indulgence for a few days until its return, in order to make his Official Report.
I also understand that the Enemy so far from attempting to improve the advantage they had gained, by pursuing our Troops on their Retreat to the Grand River had retired to Sandwich followed by Tecumseth and his warriors, who had much harrassed them on their march.
Five or six hundred Indians belonging to the Right Division are reported to have joined the Centre.
I regret to say that I am still without any official account of Captain Barclay's Action on Lake Erie, the result of which has led to our relinquishment of the Michigan Territory, excepting Michili- mackinac and our abandonment of the Posts in Upper Canada beyond the Grand River. —
I have reason to think that Captain Barclay has died of his wounds & that none of his surviving officers have escaped unhurt. I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obedient and
most humble Servant
George Prevost,
The Right Honble Earl Bathurst.
[ Q 122, p 262] . "
540
COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 101.]
Head Quarters, Montreal, 30th October 1813.
My Lord,
I have been honored with Your Lordship's Dispatch No 40 of the 12th Augt. last, conveying to me the commands of His Eoyal Highness, The Prince Regent, to put in close confinement Forty Six American officers and non commissioned officers to be held as Hostages for the safe keeping of the Twenty three British Soldiers stated to have been put in close confinement by order of the Amer- ican Government, which commands have been carried into effect, and I have lost no time in communicating the circumstance to Maj. Genl. Wilkinson, the present Commander in Chief of the United States forces acting against the Canadas.
I beg leave to annex for Your Lordship's information the Copy of a Letter I have addressed to Mr. Barclay the agent for British Prisoners in the United States on this subject, and also the copy of a General Order which has been published to the army upon the occasion.
I shall, in obedience to Your Lordship's directions as signified to me in Your Dispatch No 26 of the 13th May last, and again referred to in the Dispatch No 40 herein acknowledged, endeavour to pro- cure the evidence necessary for the conviction of the British sub- jects taken in arms with the Enemy, and now in confinement in England, but should I be able to obtain such proofs, Your Lordship must be sensible that the officers necessary to establish it, and who are stationed at the most distant Posts in this Command, could not be collected at this advanced Season before the navigation of the St Lawrence closes; they shall however be sent to England by the earliest conveyance in the Spring.
In compliance with the instructions signified in Your Lordship's Dispatch No 43, I have communicated to Adml. Sir J. B. Warren the copy of your Dispatch No 40 and have acquainted him with the measures which have taken place in consequence of it. I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's most obedient humble Servant
George Prevost.
The Eight Honble Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: Montreal, 30th Octr. 1813.
Lieut. General Sir George Prevost, Bt. R, 20 Deer. No. 101. Fourilnclosures.
[ Q 122, p 268 ]
LIST OF AMERICAN PRISONERS AT QUEBEC. 541
LIST OF AMERICAN OFFICERS IN CLOSE CONFINEMENT AT QUEBEC.
|
No. |
Rank. |
Names.
|
No. |
Rank. |
Names. |
|
1 |
Lieutenant.. - |
John H. Cranson. |
11 |
Lieutenant... |
John Waring. |
|
2 |
Ensign. |
Washington Denison. |
12 |
George Murdock. |
|
|
3 |
Lieutenant... |
Sydney Smith. |
13 |
John Wm. Thomson. |
|
|
4 |
Major... |
C. Vanderinter. |
14 |
... |
Nichs. N. Robinson. |
|
5 |
±JaV iKl IT. xUlo.* |
15 |
OallXl. iJ. imowuiii. |
||
|
6 |
Captain |
Deiel Van Tighter. |
16 |
Massom Mudd. |
|
|
7 |
Alex McEwen. |
17 |
Jas. Smith. |
||
|
8 9 |
Isaac Roach. |
18 |
Captain |
Jas. Machesnay. |
|
|
Henry Fleming. |
19 |
Lieutenant-. - |
Tho8. Randall. |
||
|
10 |
Lieu tenant -.- |
Thomas Harvey. |
20 |
Innis B. Palmer. |
[ Q 122, p 277 ]
LIST OF AMERICAN NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS IN CLOSE CONFINEMENT
AT QUEBEC.
Rank.
Serjeant.
Corporal Serjeant.
Corporal Serjeant.
Corporal Serjeant. Corporal
Names.
Benj. Wm. Stevens, Wm. Tromell. Nathl. Jones. Abel Lawrence. Joseph Whitney. Ira Marks. John Lam son. Wm, Rice alias Pierce. Benj. Butman. John P. Read. John Moody. Samuel Little. Wm. McCune.
No.
Rank.
Serjeant
Serjt. Maj
Serjeant
Corporal
Serjeant
Corporal
Serj.of Marines
Names.
Seth Barnes. Elisha Warren. Chas. West. Henry D. Yates. Lyman Baggs. George Hassar. Lyman Nearing. Richd. Taylor. Jacob Huber. James Blanch. Alvin Duvall. John Ferguson. Wm. Lyles.
Endorsed: 2.
In Sir G. Prevost's No. 101, of 30 Oct. 1813.
[ Q 122, p 278]
642 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
LIST OF AMERICAN OFFICERS ON PAROLE AT BEAUPORT, NEAR QUEBEC.
Names.
James Winchester. John Chandler. Wm. H. Winder. William Lewis. C. G. Boersteer. George Madison. David Deacon. Jaires Loomis. James Grant. John Freeborne. John Tramball. Samuel W. Osgood. Walter N. Monteath. Abraham Walter.
Endorsed: 3.
In Sir Geo. Prevost's No. 101 of 30 Oct. 1813.
[ Q 122, p 279 ]
JAMES WILKINSON TO THE INHABITANTS OF CANADA.
James Wilkinson Major General & Commander in Chief of an Expedition against the Oanadas To The Inhabitants thereof.
The Army of the United States which I have the honor to com- mand, invades these Provinces to conquer <& not to destroy ; to suborn the Forces of His Britannic Majesty, not to war against his unoffending subjects; those therefore among you who remain quiet at home, should Victory incline to the American Standard, shall be protected in their Persons and Property — but those who are found in arms must necessarily be treated as avowed Enemies.
To menace is unmanly — to reduce dishonourable yet it is just and humane to place those alternatives before. —
Done at the Head Quarters of the army of the United States this 6th day of November 1813 near Ogdensburg on the River St Lawrence.
By the General's Command. Jas. Wilkinson.
W. Pinkney, Major & Aid de Camp.
Endorsed: Enclosare in No. 107.
No. Rank.
r
Brig. Generals _ \
I
I
Lient. Colonels
1 Major
1 liientenant
Sailing Masters _
r
Masters Mates _ -{
1 Midshipman 1 Pilot.
1A
[Q 123, p 24]
MEMORIAL.
543
MEMORIAL OF THE AGENTS OF THE NORTH WEST COMPANY.
To His Excellency Sir George Prevost Baronet, Captain General & Governor in Chief in & over the Provinces of Lower Canada, Upper Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick & their several Dependencies, Vice Admiral of the same. Lieutenant' General & Commander of all His Majesty's Forces in the said Province and in the Islands of Newfoundland, Prince Edward, Cape Breton, & Bermuda &c. &c. &c.
The Memorial of the Agents of the North West Company. Eespectfully sheweth,
That by the fatal and ever to be deplored disaster which has befallen His Majesty's Fleet on Lake Erie there is every reason to apprehend that the Americans will get possession of Michilimaokinao and the command of Lake Huron.
In consequence, the communication between Montreal and the North West will be completely cut off and no means left whereby the Keturns in Fars & Skins can next Season be brought from that Country to Canada, nor supplies of Merchandize and Provisions for the Trade be brought thither by Lake Huron.
That under prospects so distressing the agents dispatched an Express to Fort William on Lake Superior as soon as the melan- choly result of the Battle on Lake Erie was known, to direct that the Returns next Spring when coming out from the North West might be stopped at Lake Ouinipique from whence there is a com- munication by water to York Fort in Hudson's Bay as the only practicable expedient whereby the said Returns could be prevented from falling into the hands of the Enemy and be afterwards con- veyed to England.
That whilst the present unfortunate state of things continued there can be no safe communication to or from the North West but through Hudson's Bay, which must be resorted to from necessity and consequently the correspondents in London of the North West Company are instructed to apply to the Hudson's Bay Company for permission to send a vessel into that Bay next season to carry in provisions and supplies and bring out the Returns.
That the extent of Property embarked in the North West Trade and the number of persons of various descriptions thereby employed in the interior, is such that it cannot be suddenly suspended or abandoned without ruin in a pecuniary point of view, nor without
544
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
the risk of starvation to many, if provisions & necessaries were not to be sent into that Country, and if once abandoned it could not be resumed without a heavy Expence.
That the agents entertain a confident hope that the Hudson Bay Company w^Jll on this unfortunate occasion feel as British Subjects for the serious evils to which the North West Company are exposed by reason of the old channel of Convey being at the mercy of a rapacious Enemy, & accordingly forgetting the rivalship of Trade will cheerfully aid in the preservation of British property by giving permission to open a new Channel beyond the grasp of that Enemy — ^but should they unhappily be mistaken and that unexpected diffi- culties or obstructions should be thrown in the way of such a permission.
The Memorialists pray that Your Excellency will be pleased to intercede with His Majesty's Government to use their influence with the Hudson's Bay Company to induce their acceding to the appli- cation of the said correspondents in London of the North West Company ; which will be for a permission to send in annually (whilst the obstruction of the usual communication with the interior through Canada shall continue) a Vessel for the purpose above mentioned of carrying in Provisions & Supplies for th^a North West Company's Trade and bring out their Returns and as in Duty bound the Memorialists will ever pray &c.
Montreal, Sth^Novr. 1813.
McTavish, McGillivray, & Co.
Thomas Thain, for self,
Alex MoKenzie, [ Q 123, p 28 ] Agents N. W. Coy.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO COL. THOS. BARCLAY.
Montreal, 13th November 1813.
Sir,
I have to acknowledge the honor of Your Letters of the 24th & 25th Septr., the 4th 22d & 28d Octr received by Lt. Colonel Myers who arrived on the 9th Inst
I now transmit to you the copy of a Letter which I have addressed to Major Melville, or the officer commanding at Burling- ton, by which you will perceive that nearly the whole of the American Prisoners at Quebec had sailed for Halifax, a few days
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO COL. THOS. BARCLA.Y. 5i5
prior to the receipt of your communication respecting the exchange^ had it reached me a week earlier I should certainly have counter- manded the orders I had given for their removal, but under the circumstances in which the two Countries are now placed, by the retaliating system which has been adopted, I do not think I could have consented to carry into eflFect the arrangement enter'd into between the American Commissary General of Prisoners & yourself for the Exchange of Prisoners, by parting with those now in my power until the sentiments and conduct of the American Govern- ment shall be known with regard to the retaliating measure. I have been directed by His Majesty's Government to take, & which I communicated to you in my Letter of the 27th Ulto, should the Government of the United States be determined to maintain the ground it has taken this subject, it is to be expected that as soon as it shall be informed of the confinement of the forty-six American OflBcers & non-commissioned officers as Hostages for the twenty three British Soldiers closely confined by Major General Dearborn, a measure of retaliation will be immediately adopted by the confine- ment of British officers and Soldiers, which will make it indis- pensibly i/ecessary for me^ to retain all the American Prisoners which may fall into my power in order to enable me to meet that meas- ure by a corresponding one if necessary. Under these circumstances you must be sensible that it would be highly in me to part with the check which I now hold to such a procedure by allowing the American Prisoners, at present in this Country, or those at Halifax to return to the United States on their parole, for the purpose of being exchanged ; by retaining them, particularly the General Officers the American Government may perhaps be made to see the injustice of their pretensions on this head, and be induced to relinquish them by the release of all those whom they have confined under the retaliating system, in that event there would be no difficulty in compleating the arrangement made by you with General Masson — there are at present near one hundred American Officers & men at Quebec, Prisoners of War, exclusive of the forty-six officers and non-commissioned officers in close confinement; and I have this day had the satisfaction to learn that the result of an attack made by a part of the force under Maj. Gen. Wilkinson upon the Corps of Observation pressing upon its rear, has been the capture of upwards of two hundred Prisoners more; all these might be march 'd to the Frontier to be exchang'd for the officers and men to be collected 69
546
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
from the different Depots— But as it appears from your letter of the 23d Oot that the British Naval and Military Prisoners, taken oi> Lake Erie, and under Maj. Genl Procter, cannot be exchanged until the Spring, I should expect that, in case your arrangement should be carried into effect by my release of the whole of the American Prisoners in my possession, an assurance on the part of the Amer- ican Government that none of the British Prisoners taken on Lake Erie and under Genl. Procter and whose return is deferr'd until the Spring should be subjected to any retaliating system whatever, but that they should all with good faith be delivered to our advanced posts early in the Spring, pursuant to your agreement with Genl. Mason.
I have allowed, as you will observe by my letter to Major Melville, Lt Col Boerstler and Lieut Deacon to proceed on their parole to the United States, in return for the indulgence shewn to Lt. Col. Myers and Captn Gordon, and I am not without hopes, that the repre- sentations which they may make, and will probably carry to their Government on the part of the officers now already confined at Quebec, as well as from other officers still detain 'd there as Pris- oners, will have the effect of preventing a perseverance in this much to be regretted retaliating system, and produce a general exchange of Prisoners agreeably to the wishes of both Countries.
It would be desirable that Lt Col Myers and Captn Gordon should be exchanged for Lt. Col. Boerstler and Lieut Deacon, provided it could be done without any formal application on your part for the purpose in the event therefore of Lieut Col Boerstler being enabled to interest the American Commissary General of Prisoners in his favor, and that the above exchange should be proposed by him, I have no objection to your acceding to it.
The removal of the Prisoners to Halifax was a measure of abso- lute necessity, both from the want *of proper accommodation for them at Quebec and from the circumstances under which the Prov- ince was at that time placed, by the threatened Invasion of the Enemy; since I have begun this letter I have learned to my great mortification and regret, that the Transport having on board the Prisoners, has instead of proceeding to Halifax, gone with the Con- voy which has lately sailed for England — this step has been taken against my orders, and in direct opposition to my wishes, and must have happen'd from a misunderstanding on the part of the General Officer commanding at Quebec, or of the officer commanding the Cunvoy for England with regard to ray intentions on this subject.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO COL. THOS. BARCLAY. 547
The vessel had been directed to proceed down the River to take the benefit of a convoy going to Halifax; she was unfortunately too late to overtake either of the Ships of war which were proceeding to that place, and the Captain of the Bthalion, who had been requested in the above event to furnish a convoy for her, not having a ship which he could spare for that purpose, has undertaken to carry her to England. I had, immediately upon the receipt of your letter respecting the exchange, order'd this vessel, which] had only just sail'd to be recalled by Telegraph, but the order ^was too late, and the unfortunate mistake has occurred, which I can assure you I sincerely lament as it may afford a fresh ground for irritation to the American Government which appears to be already very sore on this subject.
I am happy to find that Lieut Col. Boerstler, who will be the bearer of this letter, is fully satisfied that the sending of these Prisoners to Eligland has happened altogether from mistake, and that he is ready so to represent it to his Government;
I have therefore to beg that you will take the earliest opportu- nity of confirming his representation and of distinctly stating to the American Commissary General of Prisoners, that the Prisoners have not been sent to England by my orders, but contrary to my wishes and intentions, and that you will make such further explanation on the subject as you may deem necessary in order to remove the obstacle it might otherwise create to a final and satisfactory arrange- ment, respecting a general exchange.
I have made enquiry into the cases of Dr. Wood and Dr. Scott, the former I understand is on his parole at Beauport, and the latter tho' confined in the prison at Quebec is certainly not in a dungeon, or treated with any unusual severity ; from some circum- stances attending his case it was not thought proper to allow him his parole, but I have directed that he should be admitted to it, and both him and Dr. Wood will be allowed to return to the United States whenever the American Government shall permit Dr. Dickson, and many other peaceful citzens, whom they have made Prisoners of War, to return to Canada.
I have the honor to be
&c. &o. (fee.
George Prevost.
To Thomas Barclay, Esq., &c. &c. <fec. [ Q 123, p 39 ]
518
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO MAJOR D. MELVILLE.
Montreal, 13th November 1813.
Sir,
I have received from Thos. Barclay Esqr. His Majesty's Agent for Prisoners in the United States, the communication of an agree- ment enter'd into by him with the American Commy. Genl. of Prisoners for an Exchange of the whole of the British OflScers, non- commissioned officers and Privates, Prisoners at Greenbush, Pittsfield and Cheshire, provided the American Prisoners, who remained in Canada after the departure of those who were sent to Halifax in His Majesty's Ships Eegulus and Melpomene in August last, were still in Canada, which event was to be communicated to you, or the officer commanding at Burlington. I have now the honor to acquaint you that having" several months ago stated to Maj. Genl Dearborn, for the information of his Government, the reasons which would oblige me, before the close of the navigation of the River St. Lawrence, to send the whole of the American Prisoners which might be then at Quebec either to Halifax, or England, and having waited with considerable solicitude for some arrangement on the subject of that communication which might render it unnecessary for me to resort to this measure for a removal of the American Prisoners from Quebec, and none having reached me prior to the 6th Inst, the Transport, having on board nearly the whole of the remainder of the American Prisoners who were left at Quebec on the departure of those who were sent in the Regulus and Melpo- mene, sail'd on that day for Halifax.
I have at the same time to acquaint you that nearly one hundred American Prisoners still remain at Quebec, exclusive of the three general officers on Parole at Beauport, and the forty six officers and non-commissioned officers who are in close confinement, and that upwards of one hundred more Prisoners recently taken, are on their way to Montreal.
Duly appreciating the indulgence which the American Government has manifested towards Lieut. Col. Myers and Captn. Gordon, in allowing them to proceed to Canada on their parole, I have not hesitated immediately to direct that Lieut Col. Boerstler and Lt Deacon of the United States Navy, whose rank corresponds with that of Captn Gordon, should receive a similar indulgence, and be permitted to proceed to the United States.
«
GENERAL GEORGE GLASGOW TO NOAH FREER. 549
Lt. Col. Boerstler will take charge of this letter, together with a dispatch from Mr. Barclay, which I will thank you to have for- warded to him.
I have the honor to be
&ca. &ca. &ca.
George Prevost,
Commr. of the Forces. To Major D. Melville or Oflficer Commanding at Burlington.
[ Q 123, p 48 ]
commodore JAMES L. YEO TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
His Majesty's Ship Wolfe, at Kingston, 15th Nov. 1813.
Sir,
I yesterday received Captn Barclay's official statement of the ill fated action on Lake Erie, and as Your Excellency must wish to be informed of every particular, I have the honor to enclose the same.
It appears to me that tho' His Majesty's Squadron were very defi- cient in Seamen, weight of metal, and particularly long guns, yet the greatest misfortune was the loss of every officer, particularly Captain Finnis whose life had it been spared, would in my opinion have saved the squadron.
I have the honor to be Sir
Your Excellency's most obedient humble Servant
James Lucas Yeo,
Commadore.
His Excellency Sir Geo. Prevost, Bt., Governor General in Chief.
Endorsed: 1.
Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 111. 25 Novr. 1813,
[ Q 123, p 54 ]
MAJ. GEN. GEORGE GLASGOW TO NOAH FREER, ESQ.
Quebec, 20th Novr. 1813.
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th Instant, and in reply have to acquaint you for the information of His Excellency the Commander of the Forces, that in compli- ance with the orders for sending the Prisoners of War to Halifax,
550
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
I applied to Captn. of the Nemesis to take them in th&
Troop Ships to Halifax who declined it, I then applied to Captn. Fabian of the Diomede the afford the Malabar a Convoy to Halifax (on the morning the Fox sailed) and had full confidence that ship would be detained for that service. I therefore directed her to proceed to the Brandy pots but had the mortification to find all the Troop ships had sailed & left her behind, when I applied to Captn. Heywood to send the Wanderer with her to Halifax or direct the Dover to afford her Convoy there or take her to England as I^had no place to keep so many Prisoners and conceiving it to be • His Excellency's wish that the Prisoners should not remain here during the winter there appeared to remain no alternative; After two or three days had elapsed (in consequence of thick weather) I received a Telegraphic message from Captn. Heywood that he could not give her Convoy to Halifax & the day after she had sailed with him for England.
I have the honor to be Sir
Your most obedt. Servant.
George Glasgow,
Maj. Genl. Commanding.
Noah Freer, Esq., Military Secretary. [ Q 123, p 51 ]
GENERAL ORDER RESPECTING THE ACTION UPON LAKE ERIE.
EOTAL
Abms.
General Order.
Head Quarters, Montreal, ) November 24, 1813. )
His Excellency the Commander of the Forces has received an official report from Major General Proctor of the affair which took place on the 5th October near the Moravian Village, and he has in vain sought in it, for grounds to palliate the report made to His Excellency by Staff Adjutant Reiffenstein upon which the gen- eral order of the 18th October was founded — on the contrary, that statement remains confirmed in all the principal events which marked that disgraceful day the precipitancy with which the Staff Adjutant retreated from the field of action, prevented his ascertaining the
GENERAL ORDER.
551
loss sustained by the division on that occasion; it also led him most grossly to exaggerate the Enemy's force, and to misrepresent the conduct of the Indian Warriors who instead of retreating towards Maohedash, as he had stated, gallantly maintained the con- flict, under their brave chief Teoumseth, and in their turn, harrassed the American Army on its retreat to Detroit.
The subjoined return states the loss the right division has sus- tained in the action of the fleet on Lake Erie on the 10th Sept, and in the affair of the 5th Octr. near the Moravian Village, in the latter but very few appear to have been rescued by an honourable death, from the ignominy of passing under the American Yoke, nor are there many, whose wounds plead in mitigation of this reproach.
The right division appears to have been encumbered with an unmanageable load of unnecessary and forbidden private Baggage — while the requisite arrangements for the expeditious and certain conveyance of the Ammunition, and provisions, the sole objects worthy of consideration, appear to have been totally neglected, as well as al] those ordinary measures resorted to, by officers of intelli- gence to retard, and impede the advance of a pursuing enemy — •
The result affords but too fatal a proof of this unjustifiable neg- lect. The Eight division had quitted Sandwich in its retreat, on the 26th September, having had ample time for every previous arrangement, to facilitate and secure that /[movement : On the 2nd October following, the Enemy pursued by the same route, and on the 4th succeeded in capturing all the Stores of the division, and on the following day attacked and defeated it, almost without a struggle.
With heartfelt pride and satisfaction the Commander of the forces bad lavished on the right division of this army, that tribute of praise which was so justly due to its former gallantry, and steady discipline.
It is with poignant grief and mortification that he now beholds its well earned laurels tarnished, and its conduct calls loudly for reproach and censure.
The Commander of the forces appeals to the genuine feelings of the British Soldier from whom he neither conceals the extent of the loss the army has suffered, nor the far more to be lamented injury it has sustained, in its wounded honor, confident that but one sentiment will animate every breast and that zealous to wash out the stain which by a most extraordinary and unaccountable
552
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
iDfatuation, has fallen on a formerly deserving position of the Army; all will vie to emulate the glorious achievements recently performed, by a small but highly spirited, and well disciplined division, led by officers possessed of enterprize, intelligence, and gallantry, nobly evincing, what British Soldiers, can perform, when susceptible of no fear, but that of failing in the discharge of their duty.
His Excellency considers it an act of justice, to exonerate most honorably from this censure the brave Soldiers who were serving as marines on board the Squadron on Lake Erie.
The Commander of the Forces having received the official Report of Captain Barclay of the action which took place on Lake Erie on the 10th September, when that gallant officer from circumstances of imperious necessity was compelled to seek the superior force of the Enemy, and to maintain an arduous and long contested action, under circumstances of accumulating ill fortune.
Captain Barclay represents, that the wind, which was favourable early in the day, suddenly changed, giving the Enemy the weather gage, and that this important advantage was shortly after the com- mencement of the engagement, heightened by the fall of Captain Finnis, the Commander of the Queen Charlotte, in the death of that intrepid and intelligent officer, Captain Barclay laments the loss of his main support. The fall of Captain Finnis was soon followed by that of Lieutenant Stokoe, whose country was deprived of his ser- vices at this very critical period, leaving the command of the Queen Charlotte to provincial Lieutenant Irvine, who conducted himself with great courage, but was too limited in experience, to supply the place of such an officer as Captain Finnis, and in consequence this Vessel proved of far less assistance than might be expected.
The action commenced at about a quarter before 12 o'clock and continued with great fury until half past 2, when the American Commodore quitted his ship which struck shortly after, to that Commanded by Captain Barclay (the Detroit) — ^hitherto the deter- mined valor displayed by the British Squadron, had surmounted every disadvantage, and the day was in our favor; but the contest had arrived at that period when valor alone was unavailing — ^ the Detroit and Queen Charlotte were perfect wrecks, and required the utmost skill of Seamanship, while the Commanders and second officers, of every vessel, were either killed or wounded, not more than fifty British Seamen were dispersed in the Crews of the Squadron, and of these a great proportion had fallen in the conflict.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST,
553
The American Commodore made a gallant and but too suooessful efifort to regain the day. His second largest vessel, the Niagara, had suffered little, and his numerous Gun Boats, which had proved the greatest source of annoyance during the action, were all uninjured.
Lieutenant Garland, 1st Lieutenant of the Detroit being mortally wounded, previous to the wounds of Captain Barclay, obliging him to quit the Deck, it fell to the lot of Lieutenant Inglis, to whose intrepidity and conduct the highest praise is given to surrender His Majesty's ship, when all further resistance had become unavailing.
The Enemy by having the weather gage, were enabled to choose their distance, and thereby avail themselves of the great advantage they derived in a superiority of heavy long guns; but Catapin Bar- clay attributes the [loss] of the day, to the unprecedented fall of every Commander, and second in Command, and the very small number of able seamen left in the Squadron, at a moment when the judg- ment of the Officer, & skilful exertions of the Sailor, were most immediately called for.
To the British seamen, Captn Barclay bestows the highest praise, that they behaved like British Seamen. From the officers and Soldiers of the regular force serving as Marines, Captain Barclay experienced every support within their power, and states that their conduct has excited his warmest thanks and admiration.
Deprived of the Palm of Victory, when almost within his grasp, by an overwhelming force which the Enemy possessed in reserve, aided by an accumulation of unfortunate circumstances, Captain Bar- clay and his brave crew have, by their gallant daring, and self devotion to their country's cause, rescued its honor, and their own, even in defeat.
Edward Baynes, Adjt. Gen.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 110.]
Head Quarters, Montreal, 25th Novr. 1813. My Lord, ♦
I have the honor to transmit to Your Lordship Copy of a Letter* from Thomas Barclay Esqr. His Majesty's Agent for Prisoners in the United States, copy of my reply f to it, together with Copy of
* For Letter see page 532. t For reply and enclosures see page 544. 70
654
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
a Letter I have addresed to Major Melville or the officer command- ing at Burlington the whole respecting an exchange of Prisoners.
Your Lordship will observe by my Letter to Mr. Barclay that the American Prisoners who had been embarked on board the Mal- abar Transport in '^order to proceed to Halifax, have been sent withoutj'my orders & contrary ^to my intentions to England. ^
I transmit to Your Lordship Copy of a Letter* I have received from Major General Glasgow in explanation of this subject, from which it appears that officer has altogether misunderstood my wishes, and undertaken of himself] without any reference to me, to adopt a measure which I am apprehensive may occasion much Embarrass- ment & difficulty respecting the future exchange of Prisoners.
I iheg leave therefore to suggest to Your Lordship the propriety of sending as early as possible the whole of the Prisoners who are gone to England in the Malabar, by a Cartel to the United States, as the most effectual means of convincing their Government that their removal to England has not been intentional, & of the dis- position of His Majesty's Government to remove all further ground of complaint upon this subject.
I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's most obedient Humble Servant
Geoege Prevost.
The Eight Honble Earl Bathurst. [ Q 123, p 32 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 111.]
Head Quarters, Montreal, 25th Nov. 1813.
My Lord,
I have the honor to transmit to Your Lordship Copy of a Letter from Commodore Sir James Yeo, together with Captn. Barclay's official account of the action on Lake Erie referred to in my dispatches to Your Lordship No 90 of the date of 22nd Sept & No. 91 of 8th Oct'r last.
The loss sustained on that occasion Your Lordship will find sub- joined to the General order also herewith transmitted which I have felt it my duty to issue in consequence of the recent events in
• For Letter eee page 549.
BRITISH AND U. S. SQUADRONS ON LAKE ERIE.
555
this command. I am happy to be able to add that Oaptn. Barclay is recovering of his wounds, & that there is a prospect of his valu- able life & services being preserved for the benefit of his Country. I liave the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
Most obedt. huml. Servant
Geoege Peevost.
The right Honble Earl Bathurst.
Endorsed:
Lt. Genl. Sir Geo. Prerost. No. 111. Six Incloeores.
[ Q 123, p 53 ]
A STATEMENT OF THE FOECE OF HIS MAJESTY S SQUADEON ON LAKE EEIE AND THAT OF THE UNITED STATES.
British Squadron
Vessels names
Detroit
Qaeen Charlotte. Lady Prevost
Hnnter
Little Belt
Chippeway
Eemarks.
United States Squadron
Vessels names
Lawrence
Niagara
Caledonia
Ariel
Simmons.. Porcupine Tigress....
Scorpion . .
Trip...^..
32
Endorsed: 4.
Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 111. 25 Noyr. 1813.
E. H. Baeclay,
Commander.
[ Q 123, p 65 ]
556 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
RETURN OF THE RIGHT DIVISION OF THE ARMY OF UPPER CANADA.
|
1 Maj. General ] |
1 Insp. field officer | |
1 Maj. of Brigade | |
Dy. Asst. Qr.M. Genii |
1 Aid-de-Camp | |
1 Staff Adjt. 1 |
1 Fort Adjt. 1 |
1 Hospital mate | |
1 Lieut Col 1 |
1 Captains | |
1 Lieutenants 1 |
1 Cornets or Ensigns 1 |
1 Paymaster | |
1 Adjutant | |
1 Qr. Master • | |
a 8 o 02 +3 03 03 < |
1 Serjeants 1 |
1 Drnmmers 1 |
1 Rank & File |
1 No of Horses I |
|
|
1 |
1 3 |
21 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
1 board the squadron in action on ^ Wounded |
46 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
10th Sept 1813 _ J Prisoners |
2 |
1 |
4 |
4 |
167 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Killed wounded & missing in the Retreat & in ) action on 5th Octr 1813 ) |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
12 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
34 |
13 |
559 |
46 |
|||||||
|
Assembled at Ancaster 17th Octr 1813 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
15 |
9 |
204 |
53 |
|||||||
|
Total strength of the Right Division on the 10th ) September _ _ ; |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
9 |
23 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
57 |
26 |
994 |
99 |
Killed — Lieut. Garden, Eoyal Newfoundland Kegt.
Edward Baynes,
Adjt. Genl.
Endorsed: 6.
Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 111. 25 Nov. 1813.
[ Q 123, p 67 ]
maj. gen. james wilkinson to sir george prevost.
Head Quarters of the Army of the United States,
Malone, Decemr. 8d, 1813.
Sir,
In my letter to you of the 1st Ultimo I apprized you, that your <3ommunioation of the 17th October last, had been transmitted to the President of the United States, and I have now the honor to lay before you the result. ,.
In a recent communication from the War Department, I am com- manded by the President to make known to you, in reply to your Letter, and for the Information of your Government, that " the *' Government of the United States adhering unalterably to the *' principle and purpose declared in the communication of Genl. *' Dearborn to you, on the subject of the twenty three American
Soldiers, Prisoners of War, sent to England to be tried as Grim-
• GKN. JAMES WILKINSON TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
557
"inals, and the confinement of the like number of British Soldiers, "Prisoners of War, selected to abide the fate of the former, has, "in consequence of the step taken by the British Government, as " now communicated, ordered Forty six British OflScers into o\oa& " confinement, and that they will not be discharged from their con- " finement, until it shall be known, that the Forty Six American " OflBcers and non-commissioned oflScers in question are no longer "confined."
I am further commanded by the President to advise you, for the information of your Government " that in the event of any proceed - " ings of the British Commanders on our Coast, against the Inhabi- " tants thereof, contrary to the Laws of War, observed among oivi- " lized Nations, as threatened in your communication of the seven- " teenth of October, the United States will avail themselves of the " means in their power, for such exemplary retaliations, as may " produce a Return to those legitimate modes of warfare, from which " no other consideration, than the necessity imposed by the conduct "of the Enemy, could ever induce them to depart."
Without the power to avert the calamitous scenes, which must ensue the pretentions of your Government, to violate a constitutional principle, held sacred by the American Nation, and without exam- ining the efl:'ects of this pretension should it be retorted, by the American Government, against the Population of Upper Canada, composed, as it is, in a great measure, of native born American citizens, I am impelled, by the impulses of humanity, to enquire whether some relaxation may not be expected on the part of your Government; and whether the officers and non-commissioned officers, thrown into Jail at Quebec, may not be restored to the ordinary conditions of Prisoners of War:
On the last topic, permit me to add, that when Captain Fitzgerald of your army, wounded and a Prisoner at Fort George, was sent to the camp of Brigadier General Vincent, it was under the express stipulation, ratified by Lieutenant Colonel Harvey, Deputy Adjutant General, of your Army, as I am assured by Colonel Scott of ours, that a Captain a Prisoner of War with you, should be liberated on parole.
Colonel Scott, who had the directon of this transaction, assures me, he is in possession of Colonel Harvey's written engagement and that the officer in whose favor the stipulation was made, is among the number you have thrown into Jail: I cannot charge my memory with the name of this officer, which will be transmitted me in a
558
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
*
few days, together with Colonel Harvey's obligation, but I make this early communication to you, in the hope, your oflBoer may have advised you on the subject, in which case I demand, on the grounds of justice and good faith, that the American oflScer be liberated from confinement and discharged on parole. I have the honor to be
with high consideration &
respect, Your Excellency's
obedt, huml. Servt.
Ja. Wilkinson.
His Excellency Sir George Prevost, Lt. Genl. & Commander in Chief of the British Forces in North America.
[ Q 123, p 91 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO MAJ. GEN. JAMBS WILKINSON.
Head Quarters, Montreal, 11th Deer. 1813.
Sir,
I have had the honor to receive Your Excellency's Dispatches of the 3d and 4th Instant, in communicating to Your Excellency in my letter of the 17th of October last, the retaliating measure which His Majesty's Government had been compelled to adopt in conse- quence of the imprisonment by Major General Dearborn of twenty three British Soldiers as Hostages, for as many natural born sub- jects of His Majesty found in the service of the United States, in
arms against their native country, I had entertained the
hope that the American Government would have been induced to abandon a principle not recognized by any of the other civilized nations of the world, and against which when attempted to be put in practice they have all invariably resisted.
I regret to find myself disappointed in this just expectation by the communication made by Your Excellency of the determination of your Government unalterably to adhere to the principle and purpose, declared in the Letter of Major General Dearborn of the 31st May last, and of its having in consequence directed 46 British officers, Prisoners of War, to be closely confined, until the 46 American officers and non-commissioned officers now closely confined at Quebec as Hostages shall be released.
This step on the part of the Government of the United States leaves me no other alternative but that of directing and which I
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO GBN. JAMES WILKINSON. 559
bave accordingly done, the whole of the American Officers (includ- ing the three General officers) now on their parole in those Prov- inces to be immediately placed in close confinement, and I have further to acquaint Your Excellency, that it is my determination to put into close confinement every American officer who shall hereafter fall into my power, to. the number of 46, exclusive of those who had been confined previous to the receipt of Your Excel- lency's letter, and so to keep them confined, until I shall receive the further directions of His Majesty's Government on this subject.
The unalterable determination of your Government to adhere to the principle it has adopted on this occasion, precludes the hope of any relaxation, in favor of the unfortunate officers of both Countries, who are, and will be the sufferers by it.
Otherwise, alike impelled by sentiments of humanity with yourself, I should be inclined to ask of you, whether that constitutional Prin-
1 oiple, which however sacred it may be held by the American Nation, yet violating as it does the Constitutional Principle, of every other independant Nation adopted and acted upon for ages, before the American Government or People, had a name, ought any longer to be respected in favor of those, who having broken their faith and Allegiance to their own Government are claimed and protected by yours, with the sacrifice of the comfort and safety of your own
native born subjects? and Whether considerations like
these are not sufficiently strong to induce the Government of the United States, to restore to the ordinary condition of Prisoners of War, the British Officers and soldiers whom they have directed to be put into close confinement.
In reply to that part of Your Excellency's Letter which respects
^ the Release of Captain McChesney on parole, in return for the
I release of Captain Fitzgerald, I have to acquaint you that Captain McChesney having been forwarded from York to Montreal and from thence to Quebec, it was not in the power of Major General De Rottenburg to comply with the conditional promise made for the
I release of that officer.
As soon however as the circumstances of Captain Fitzgerald's case were brought before me, I had given directions for one of your wounded officers of equal Rank taken in the affair at Chrystler's on the 11th Ultimo to be sent to St Regis on his parole and I have reason to think my orders on this head have been duly com- plied with, which I trust will be deemed a satisfactory Return for
660
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
the attention shewn to Captain Fitzgerald. I have the Honor to be with great consideration and respect
Your Excellenoys obedt. Huml. Servt Major General Wilkinson. Geobge Peevost.
[ Q 128, p 95 ]
COL. J. MUEKAY TO MAJ. GEN. VINCENT.
FoBT George, 12th December 1818,
Sir,
Having obtained information that the Enemy had determined on driving the Country between Fort George and the advance, and was carrying off the Loyal part of the Inhabitants; notwithstanding^ the inclemency of the season, I deemed it my duty to make a rapid and forced march towards him, with the Light Troops under my command, which not only frustrated his designs, but compelled him to evacuate Fort George, by precipitately crossing the Eiver and abandoning the whole of the Niagara Frontier — On learning our approach he layed the Town of Newark in ashes, passed over his Cannon and Stores, but failed in an attempt to destroy the Forti- fications, which are evidently so much strengthened whilst in hi& possession as might have enabled General McCleure (the Command- ing Officer) to have maintained a regular seige, but such was the apparent panic, that he left the whole of his Tents standing.
I trust the indefatigible exertions of this handful of men (a return of which I subjoin) have rendered an essential service to the Country by rescuing from a merciless Enemy the Inhabitants of an extensive and highly cultivated Tract of land, stored with Cattle, Grain and Provisions of every description, and it must be an exulta- tion to them to find themselves delivered from the oppression of a lawless Banditti, composed of the disaffected of the Country, organ- ized under the direct influence of the American Government, who carried terror and dismay into every Family. I have the Honor to be Sir
Your most obedient Humble Servant
J. Murray,
To Major General Vincent, &ca. <feca. <feca. Colonel.
Endorsed :
Sir G. PrevoBt. No. 116. 22 Dec. 1813
[ Q 123, p 107 ]
GEN. GORDON DRUMMOND TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
561
LT. GEN. GORDON DRUMMOND TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
Sir, Fort Niagara, 20th Deer. 1813.
ConoerDing the Possession of Fort Niagara to be of the highest importance, in every point of view, to the tranquility and security of this Frontier, immediately on my arrival at St Davids, I determined upon its reduction, if practicable without too great a sacrifice. There being however but two Batteaux at this side the water, I did not think proper to make the attempt until a sufficient number should be brought from Burlington; at this season of the year a most difficult undertaking. But by the indefatigible exertions of Captain Elliot, Depy. Assistant Quarter Mr. General, every difficulty particularly in the carriage of the Batteaux by land, for several miles, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, (the ground being covered with snow and the frost severe) was overcome, they were again launched; and the Troops consisting of a small Detachment of Koyal Artillery, the Grenadier Company of the Royal Scots, the flank companies of the 41st and the 100th Regiment, amounting in the whole to about 550, which I had placed under the immediate orders of Colonel Murray, Inspecting Field Officer were embarked: The enclosed Report of that most zealous and judicious officer, will point out to you the detail of their further proceedings.
At 5 o'clock A. M. the Fort was attacked by Assault, at the point of the Bayonet; two Picquets posted at the distance of a mile and of a- mile and a half, from the works, having previously been destroyed, to a man, by the same weapon, and at half an Hour afterwards this important place was completely in our Possession.
By this gallant achievement 27 pieces of Ordnance (mounted on the several Defences) 3000 stands of arms, a number of Rifles, a quantity of Ammunition, Blankets, Clothing, several thousand pairs of shoes &c, have fallen into our hands, besides 14 officers, and 330 others. Prisoners and 8 respectable Inhabitants of this part of the Country, who had been dragged from the peaceful enjoyment of their Property to a most unwarrantable confinement were released, together with some Indian Warriors of the Cocknawaga and Six Nation Tribes. The Enemy's loss amounted to 65 in killed, and to but 12 in wounded; which clearly proves how irrisistable a weapon the Bayonet is in the hands of British Soldiers.
Our loss was only 5 killed and 3 wounded — I have to regret the
death of a very promising young officer. Lieutenant Nolan of the
100th Regt.
7i
562 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
]
I beg leave to bear the highest testimony of the anxious active ! and meritorious exertions of Col. Murray; who I regret to say ] received a severe though not dangerous wound in the wrist; (which ; I hope will not at this critical period, deprive me, for any great : length of time of his valuable services) and to Lieut. Colonel Ham- j ilton, of the 100th Eegt, and the oflBcers, non commissioned officers j and Soldiers, who so gallantly achieved this most daring and bril- i liant enterprize.
The militia came forward with alacrity ; and assisted much in j launching and transporting the Batteaux across the River, in a very ! rapid current, for which service they are deserving of the highest : praise. ]
Captain Norton the Indian Chief, volunteered his services, & ; accompanied the Troops. ]
And I beg to recommend in the strongest terms to the favor and protection of His Royal Highness The Prince Regent, Captain Elliot : of the 103d Regt Deputy Assistant Quarter Master General, whose ! conduct on this, as on every other occasion, has been so distin- ! guished as also Lieut Dawson of the 100th Regt who commanded i the Forlorn Hope; Captain Fawoett of the same Regiment who ' immediately supported him with the Grenadiers; and Captain Martin, i who, with three companies, gallantly stormed the Eastern Demi Bastion. '
My best acknowledgments are due to Major Generals Rial and j Vincent for the cordial and zealous assistance I received from them j in making the arrangements: to Lieut Colonel Harvey, Deputy ] Adjutant General, and to the officers of my personal staff. ^
I have the Honor to forward to Your Excellency the American j Colors taken on this occasion, by Captain Foster my aide de camp, who being in my fullest confidence; will give Your Excellency such i further Information as you may require. I I have the honor to be Sir ■{ Your Excellency's most obedient humble Servant
Gordon Drummond, [ Lt. General. |
His Excellency Sir George Prevost, &c. <fec. &c. ^
Endorsed: «
Report of Lt. Genl. Drammond. j
Fort Niagara, 20th Deer. 1813. ^ j
Enclosure No. 121. 1. Sir G. Prevost, No. 121, 6 Jany. 1814. j
[ Q 127, p 14 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
568
STATEMENT OF THE FORCES OF HIS MAJESTY'S FLEET ON LAKE ONTARIO AS IT WILL APPEAR IN THE SPRING OF 1814.
|
Ships. |
Long Guns. |
Carronades. |
|||||
|
24 |
18 |
9 |
68 |
32 |
24 |
18 |
|
|
28 2 24 |
8 |
20 |
|||||
|
Quarter Deck & Forecastle Wolfe |
|
|
16 18 18 12 |
||||
|
3 2 2 |
|||||||
|
1 |
|||||||
|
Vl 1 I A |
|||||||
|
Moira |
12 10 |
||||||
|
Sir Sidney Smith |
1 |
||||||
|
Beresford ._. |
1 1 1 |
1 1 |
S |
||||
|
Gran BoatB. Cleopatra |
|||||||
|
NeUy |
|||||||
|
Lais |
|||||||
|
Three Boats building of pqual Force. |
A third ship has been laid down, calculated to carry, on the lower deck 32 guns, on the middle deck 34 and on the third deck, should it be necessary hereafter, 86, making a total of 102 guns.
James L. Yeo,
[ Q 129, p 112 ] Commodore.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 121.]
Head Quarters, Quebec, 6th January 1814.
My Lord,
Having ascertained the Enemy's Force at Forts George & Niagara and on that Frontier to have been considerably reduced for the purpose of strengthening the Division of the American Army com- manded by Major General Wilkinson now acting against Lower Canada, I directed Lieut G^eral Drummond on the 3d of last month to hold the Right division of the army in the Canadas placed under the immediate command of Major General Rial in so perfect a state of preparation as to be enabled to act with prompti-
564
COLONIAL OFFICE RECOKDS.
tude when required to take advantage of the weakness or negligence of the Enemy; — ^and I feel a high satisfaction in having the honor of transmitting to Your Lordship the Lieutenant General's letters containing the reports of the capture of Fort Niagara on the morn- ing of the 19th of December, and of the flight of the Enemy's force from Lewiston on the approach of the Corps commanded by Major General Kial.
The arrangements of Lieutenant General Drummond and tlie bril- liant manner in which they were executed have excited my warm- est applause, and afforded me infinite satisfaction in the communi- cation I now make to Your Lordship.
I request to call the gracious consideration of His Royal High- ness The Prince Regent to the various officers who have distinguished themselves on the occasion, more especially to Colonel Murray who has availed himself of this favorable opportunity fully to confirm my opinion of his zeal, intelligence and military talents.
After the dispersion of the Enemy's force at Lewistown, and the destruction of that Village, Major General Rial's Brigade pressed forwards towards Black Rock and Buffalo, and on its march obtained possession after a feeble resistance of the Mills and Rope Walk of General Porter one of the principal contractors for supplying the American Army, which were destroyed.
On this occasion an American Officer and a few men were killed and 1 officer and 11 privates taken prisoners, but not a British Soldier suffered.
The Bridge over the Tonawanto Creek having been destroyed by the Enemy the progress of Major General Rial's Brigade has been impeded until the arrival of a sufficient number of Boats at Chippewa to enable the Troops intended to co-operate with it in the destruc- tion of the Vessels and stores at Buffalo to cross the River. When the last accounts left Fort George the weather had not then become too severe to render the movement impracticable, I therefore hope to be able to report its success to Your Lordship by the next oppor- tunity as the Enemy appears in great consternation and without plan or organization for defence.
Having been under the necessity of employing the Western Indians who had retreated with General Procter from Amherstburg, as well as those inhabiting near the Niagara Frontier, in conjunction with the force acting under Major General Rial, — I have not failed strongly to enjoin upon Lieut General Drummond to restrain by
PROCLAMATION OF SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
565
6very meaDS in his power any excesses or cruelties on their part which might give just cause of complaint to the American Govern- ment, or attach disgrace to His Majesty's arms.
The Enemy set an example in his retreat from Fort George by burning the Town of Newark, that has produced calamitous conse- quences to himself since the Theatre of War has been transferred into his own territory.
Painful is such a retribution to those who execute it: I have felt the authority most repugnant, and I sincerely hope it may not be excited.
I have sent my Aid de Camp Captain Cochran overland to Hali- fax as the bearer of my dispatches to Your Lordship ; he carries with him a stand of Colours taken in the Fort of Niagara to be laid at the foot of His Royal Highness the Prince Eegent, and I beg leave to refer Your Lordship to him for such information as you may require respecting this Command. I have the. honour to be My Lord
Your Lordship's most obedient
Very humble Servant
Geoege Prevost.
To The Right Honorable Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c.
Endoreed: Quebec, 6th January 1814.
Sir G. Prevoet. No. 121. R. 24 Feby. Five enclosures.
[ Q 127, p 9 ]
A PROCLAMATION OF SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
ROTAI,
Arms.
By His Excellency Lieut General Sir George Prevost, Baronet, Commander of His Majesty's Forces in North America, &ca. &ca. To the Inhabitants of His Majesty's Provinces in North America.
A Proclamation.
The complete success which has attended His Majesty's Arms on the Niagara Frontier, having placed in our possession the whole of the Enemy's Posts on that line, it became a matter of imperious duty, to retaliate on America, the miseries which the unfortunate
566
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
inhabitants of Newark had been made to suffer upon the evacuation of Fort George.
The villages of Lewiston, Black Eook, and Buffalo, have accord- ingly been burned.
At the same time that His Excellency the Commander of the Forces sincerely deprecates this mode of warfare, he trusts that it will be suflBcient to call the attention of every candid and impartial person both amongst ourselves and the Enemy, to the circumstances from which it has arisen, to satisfy them that this departure from the established usages of war has originated with America, herself, and that to her alone, are justly chargeable, all the awful and unhappy consequences which have hitherto flowed, and are likely to result from it.
It is not necessary to advert to the conduct of the Troops employed on the American Coast, in conjunction with His Majesty's Squadron, under Admiral Sir John B. Warren, since as they were neither within the command, nor subject to the controul of His Excellency, their acts cannot be ascribable to him, even if they wanted that justification which the circumstances that occasioned them, so amply afford.
It will be sufficient for the present purpose and in order to mark the character of the war as carried on upon the Frontiers of these Provinces, to trace the line of conduct observed by His Excellency, and the Troops under his Command, since the commencement of Hostilities, and to contrast it with that of the Enemy.
The first Invasion of Upper Canada took place in July 1812, when the American Forces under Brigadier Hull crossed over and took possession of Sandwich, where they began to manifest a disposition so different from that of a magnanimous Enemy, and which they have since invariably displayed, in marking out as objects of their peculiar resentment, the Loyal Subjects of His Majesty, and in dooming their property to plunder and conflagration.
Various instances of this kind occurred, both at Sandwich and in its neighbourhood, at the very period when His Majesty's Standard was waving upon the Fort of Miohilimaokinao, and affording pro- tection to the persons and property of those who had submitted to it : —
Within a few weeks afterwards, the British Flag was also hoisted on the Fortress of Detroit, which together with the whole of the Michigan Territory, had surrendered to His Majesty's Arms.
PROCLAMATION OF SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
567
Had not His Excellency been actuated by sentiments far different from those which had influenced the American Government and the persons employed by it, in the wanton acts of destruction of Private Property, committed during their short occupation of Upper Canada, His Excellency could not have failed to have availed himself of the opportunity which the undisturbed Possession of the whole of the Michigan Territory, afforded him of amply retaliating for the devas- tating system which had been pursued at Sandwich and on the Thames.
But strictly in conformity to the views and disposition of his own Government, and to that liberal and magnanimous policy which it had dictated, he chose rather to forbear an imitation of the Enemy's Example, in the hope, that such forbearance would be duly appreciated by the Government of the United States, and would produce a return to the more civilized usages of War.
The persons and property, therefore, of the Inhabitants of the Michigan Territory, were respected and remained unmolested. In the winter of the following year, when the success which attended the daring and gallant enterprize against Ogdensburg had placed that populous and flourishing village in our possession, the generosity of the British character was again conspicuous, in the scrupulous preservation of every article which could be considered as Private Property; such Public Buildings only being destroyed as were used for the accomodation of Troops and for Public Stores.
The destruction of the defences of Ogdensburg and the dispersion of the Enemy's Force in that neighbourhood, laid open the whole of their Frontier on the St Lawrence, to the incursions of His Majesty's Troops, and Hamilton as well as the numerous settlements on the Banks of the River, might, at any hour, had such been the disposition of His Majesty's Government, or of those acting under it been plundered and laid waste.
During the course of the following Summer, by the fortunate result of the enterprize against Plattsburgh, that Town was for several hours in the complete possession of our Troops, there not being any Force in the neighborhood which could attempt a resist- ance. Yet even there, under circumstances of strong temptation, and when the recent example of the Enemy in the wanton destruc- tion at York, of private property, and buildings not used for mili- tary purposes, must have been fresh in the recollection of the Forces employed on that occasion, and would have justified a retaliation
668 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
on their part, their forbearance was strongly manifested, and the directions His Excellency had given to the Commander of that Expedition, so scrupulously obeyed, that scarcely can another instance be shewn in which during a state of war, and under similar ' circum- stances, an Enemy, so completely under the power and at the mercy of their adversaries, had so little cause of complaint.
During the course of the same summer, Forts Schlosser and Black Kock, were surprized and taken by a part of the Forces under the command of Major General De Rottenburg on the Niagara Fron- tier, at both of which places personal property was respected and the public buildings were alone destroyed.
It was certainly matter of just and reasonable expectation, that the humane and liberal course of conduct pursued by His Excellency on these different occasions, would have had its due weight with ^ the American Government, and would have led it to have abstained, in the further prosecution of the war, from any acts of wanton- ness or violence, which could only tend unnecessarily to add to its ordinary calamities, and to bring down upon their own unoffending Citizens a retaliation, which, though distant, they must have known would await and certainly follow such conduct.
Undeterred however, by His Excellency's example of moderation, or by any of the consequences to be apprehended from the adop- tion of such barbarous measures, the American Forces at Fort George, acting, as there is every reason to believe, under the orders, or with the approbation of their Government, for some time previous to their evacuation of that Fortress, under various pretences, burned and destroyed the farm houses and buildings of many of the respectable and peaceable inhabitants of that neighbourhood. But the full measure of this species of barbarity remained to be com- pleted at a season when all its horrors might be more fully and keenly felt by those who were to become the wretched victims of it.
It will hardly be credited by those who shall hereafter read it in the page of history, that in the enlightened era of the 19th century, and in the inclemency of a Canadian Winter, the Troops of a Nation calling itself civilized and Christian, had wantonly, and without the shadow of a pretext, forced 400 helpless women and children to quit their dwellings and to be the mournful spectators of the con- flagration and total destruction of all that belonged to them.
Yet such was the fate of Newark on the 10th December, a day which the Inhabitants of Upper Canada can never forget, and the
PROCLAMATION OF SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
569
recollection of which cannot but nerve their arms when again opposed to their vindictive foe. On the night of that day, the American Troops under Brigadier General McClure being about to evacuate Fort George, which they could no longer retain, by an act of inhumanity disgraceful to themselves and to the Nation to which they belong, set fire to upwards of 150 houses, composing the beautiful village of Newark, and burned them to the ground, leaving without covering or shelter those "innocent, unfortunate and distressed inhabitants," whom that officer, by his Proclamation had previously engaged to protect.
His Excellency would have ill consulted the honour of his country, and the justice due to His Majesty's injured and insulted subjects, had he permitted an act of such needless cruelty to pass unpun- ished, or had he failed to visit, whenever the opportunity arrived, upon the inhabitants of the neighbouring American Frontier, the calamities thus inflicted upon those of our own.
The opportunity has occurred, and a full measure of retaliation has taken place such as it is hoped will teach the Enemy to respect, in future the laws of war, and recal him to a sense of what is due to himself as well as to us.
In the further prosecution of the contest to which so extraordinary a character has been given His Excellency must be guided by the course of conduct which the Enemy shall hereafter pursue. Lament- ing as His Excellency does, the necessity imposed upon him of retaliating upon the subjects of America the miseries inflicted upon the inhabitants of Newark, it is not his intention to pursue further a system of warfare so revolting to his own feelings, and so little congenial to the British character unless the future measures of the Enemy should compel him again to resort to it.
To those possessions of the Enemy along the whole line of Fron- tier which have hitherto remained undisturbed, and which are now within His Excellency's reach, and at the mercy of the Troops under his command. His Excellency has determined to extend the same forbearance, and the same freedom from rapine and plunder, which they have hitherto experienced and from this determination the future conduct of the American Government shall alone induce His Excellency to depart.
The Inhabitants of these Provinces will in the mean time be prepared to resist, with firmness and with courage, whatever attempts the resentment of the Enemy, arising from their disgrace and their 72
570
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
merited sufferings, may lead tbem to make, well assured that they will be powerfully assisted at all points by the Troops under His Excellency's command, and that prompt and signal vengeance will be taken for every fresh departure by the Enemy, from that system of Warfare, which ought alone to subsist between enlightened and civilized nations.
Given under my hand and Seal at Arms at Quebec, this 12tb day of January 1814 By His Excellency's Command, George Preyost.
E. B. Brentok.
[ Q 127, p 186 ]
MAJ. GEN. JAMES WILKINSON TO SIR GEORGE PREYOST.
Sir, Plattsburgh, January 28th 1814.
I am commanded by the Executive of the United States to dis- avow the conduct of Brigadier General McClure of the Militia of the State of New York in burning the Town of Newark and as an irrefragable testimony that this Act was unlicensed to transmit to Your Excellency a copy of the order under colour of which that officer perpetrated a deed abhorrent to every American feeling, Prom this tesimonial Your Excellency will perceive that the authority to destroy the Village was limited expressly to the defence of Fort George, a measure warranted by the laws of modern war and justi- fied by precedents innumerable.
The Outrages which have ensured the unwarrantable destruction of Newark have been carried too far, and present the aspect rather of vindictive fury than just retaliation, yet they are imputed more to personal feelings than any settled plan of policy deliberately weighed and adopted, and I hope I shall receive from Your Excellency an assurance that this conclusion is not fallacious; for although the wanton conlflagrations on the waters of the Chesapeake are fresh in the recollection of every citizen of the United States, no system of retaliation which has for its object the destruction of private prop- erty will ever be resorted to by the American Government but in the last extremity, and this will depend on the conduct of Your Royal Master's Troops in this Country.
With high consideration and respect
I have the honor to be &c. Ac. &c.
Ja. Wilkinson.
His Excellency Sir George Prevost, Bart, Lt Genl. <fe Commander in Chief of the British Forces in North America.
[ Q 127, p 139 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO SIR GORDON DRUMMOND. 571 SIR GEOBGE PREVOST TO SIR GORDON DRUMMOND.
Head Quarters, Montreal, 29th January 1814.
Sir,
I waited the arrival of Sir James Yeo to reply to your letter of the 2l8t coutaining your opinion upon the practicability of an attempt to destroy the Enemy's Vessels and Craft on Lake Erie.
The Commodores' sentiments respecting this highly important ser- vice, have appeared to me to accord fully with your own.
The consequences which would result from the complete success of such an expedition, are obvious, in fact that feat only appears to be wanting to the brilliant issue of the campaign, as it would place us in the proud attitude of again re-occupying the widely extended Frontier of the Canadas, an event exceedingly to be desired.
Unless a sudden change should occur in the Enemy's disposition of his Force, the Troops you propose to remain would apparently give sufficient security to the Niagara Frontier and the Force intended for the proposed service, seems to be adequate, still there are obstacles of magnitude to be eocountered, but the principal arise, from the very advanced state of the Season, the little time left to mature Preparations, and which were they even now com- pleted, the Impossibility of advancing for the want of Snow; These considerations together with the uncertainty of the Western Shore of Lake Erie, being sufficiently frozen to render their Ships in Put in Bay assailable, and the thorough conviction on my mind that to give a chance of success, the possession of Sandwich and Amherst- burg should be obtained by the 24th February and the Destruction of the Five Vessels reported by the Commodore accomplished by the 25th.
I consider such serious embarrassments] as rendering doubtful the attainment of what is proposed, and the more so, if either Amherst- burg or Detroit must previously be reduced, the delay which would be caused, by this operation would I apprehend, render the subse- quent and all important attack, upon the remote Vessels impracti- cable, from the decay & insecurity of the Ice at a later period.
It is allowed that in all great enterprizes, some risk must be run and something left to Fortune in this instance, success depends on a sufficiency of snow, and the expeditious assemblage of the Force to be employed and the Possibility of obtaining the number of Sleighs for carrying it rapidly to the point of attack, accompanied by an ample supply of Provisions.
672
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Should oiroumstanoes so far favor you as to permit the whole to move from Burlington or Anoaster by the 12th of February, and the snow on the ground at that time sufficient, there appears a reasonable expectation of accomplishing a part of the important plan, but all depends on its being carried in*to execution, with Prompti- tude, celerity and secresy.
I am apprehensive the resources of the Country you will have to traverse have rather been exaggerated by Lt. Colonel Nichol, and that the Scarcity of Provisions, which has prevented the Enemy from maintaining a sufficient Force at Detroit, will inevitably affect your ulterior movements and may compel you to retrograde, as soon as the service has been executed.
Your wants shall be attended to, as respects money, and Lt Colonel MacDonall will take with him £3,000 Specie and some small Bills. The several other necessary equipments, including Provisions, Blankets, Bill Hooks & axes must be obtained in Upper Canada.
Whilst the Enemy continues to concentrate a large disposable Force near the frontier of Lower Canada situated between Lakes St Francis and Champlain, thereby indicating his intention that the pressure of the approaching campaign should fall upon that Prov- ince, you must be sensible of my total inability of augmenting your present Force. I give you this information in order that you may regulate your measures accordingly.
I conclude you have sought for Information from Colonel Talbot, respecting the State of things at Amherstburg and on the Detroit. From him you may obtain correct Intelligence of the Enemy's Force and Resources and of the number and description of vessels, which have wintered there. Such previous Information must be considered as essential to your ulterior arrangements. I have the honor to be Sir
Your most obedient
humble Servant
George Prevost.
Lieut. General Gordon Drummond Comdg in Upper Canada.
[ Q 127, p 118 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
573
SIR GEORGE PREYOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 129.]
Headquarters, Quebec, 8th February 1814
My Lord,
I had yesterday the honor to receive Your Lordship's Dispatch No 51 of the date of the 5th Novr. last, impressing upon me the necessity of making every effort during the winter for the Estab- lishment of some naval force on Lake Erie, and for the destruction of that of the Enemy.
Long previous to the arrival of this dispatch I had called Lieut General Drummond's attention to the subject of it as Your Lord- ship will perceive in the accompanying correspondence.*
In order to maintain uninterrupted our Intercourse with the West- ern Indians, I have caused the greatest exertions to be made for the preservation of Michilimackinac.
The supply of Provisions which were forwarded for that Port last Autumn by Lake Simcoe to Maohedash on Lake Huron could not be transported further owing to tempestuous weather and the lateness of the Season.
From this Failure the Garrison must inevitably sustain great inconvenience during the winter, but as I am informed there are Potatoes on the Island, and some Horned Cattle, and that with industry a considerable supply of Fish may be obtained, I am in hopes they will not materially suffer before they can be relieved in the Spring.
With a view to afford this Belief as early as possible, and to secure the Garrison against the attempts with which the enemy have menaced it, measures have been taken, and are now in operation for conveying both by the Ottawa, or Grand Kiver, and also by a new Route to Nottawasaga Bay on Lake Huron a reinforcement of Troops and a large supply of Indian Presents, Stores and Provisions.
Considering the great Importance of this Post, more especially as regards our relations with the Western Indians, I have selected for the command of it Lieut Colonel McDonall of the Glengary Fenci- bles, who is now in Upper Canada making the necessary prepara- tions for proceeding as early as possible with reinforcements and supplies to his destination, and directions have been given for detach- ing from the Dock Yard at Kingston a Builder and a proportion
* See letter of Lt. General Gordon Drammond to Sir Geo. Prevost, dated Kingston, Jan'y 21, 1814, page 473, Vol. 15, and letter of Sir George Prevost to Lt. Gen. Gordon Drammond, dated Montreal, Jan'y 29, 1814, page 571, this volnme.
674
COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS.
of shipwrights for the oonstruotion of the Gunboats and Batteaux required for the oonveyanoe of the reinforcements and supplies from the uninhabited shore of Lake Huron to Michilimackinao.
I am happy to find by these measures I have anticipated the wishes of His Majesty's Government, and that should circumstances allow of their being all carried into execution, there is a reasonable prospect of being able to retrieve the disaster which has attended our Squadron on Lake Erie, and of effectually preserving our inter- course with the western Tribes of Indians so essential to the security of Upper Canada.
Lieut Colonel Harvey, the Deputy Adjutant General proceeded from hence yesterday with my final Instructions to Lieut General Drummond relating to the operations contemplated in the corre- spondence herewith transmitted, and Your Lordship may rest assured that nothing short of the absolute impracticability of the undertak- ing will prevent its being attempted.
I have the honor to be My Lord Your Lordship's most obedient and most humble Servant
George Pretost.
To The Eight Honble Earl Bathurst, &c. <fec. &c.
Endorsed: Quebec, Feby 8th 1814.
Lt. General Sir G. Prevoet. No. 129. R. April 2l8t. Two Ends.
[ Q 127, p 106 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO MAJ. GEN. JAMES WILKINSON.
Sir, Head Quarters, Quebec, 10th February 1814.
I have had the honor to receive Your Excellency's Letter of the 28th January last, communicating to me by command of the execu- tive of the United States a disavowal of the conduct of Brigadier General MoClure of the Militia of the State of New York in burn- ing the Town of Newark, and transmitting to me a copy of the order under colour of which that unwarrantable act was committed.
It has been with great satisfaction that I have received from Your Excellency the assurance that the perpetration of this deed was both unauthorized by the American Government and abhorrent to every American feeling.
If any outrages have ensued the wanton and unjustifiable destruc- tion of Newark, passing the bounds of just retaliation, they are to be attributed to the influence of irritated passions on the part of
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EA.RL BATHURST.
575
the unfortunate sufferers by that event, — which in a state of active warfare it has not been possible altogether to restrain ; And I can assure Your Excellency that it is as little congenial to the disposi- tion of His Majesty's Government as to that of the Government of the United States deliberately to adopt any plan of Policy which has for its object the devastation of private property.
In answer to the concluding part of Your Excellency's Letter I beg leave to refer you to the inclosed Proclamation in which you will find my determination with regard to my future line of con- duct and I am happy to learn from Your Excellency there is no probability that any measures on the part of Your Government will oblige me to depart from it.
I have the honor to be
&o. &o. &c.
George Preyost. His Excellency Major General Wilkinson, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: In No. 134. /
[ Q 127, p 142 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST,
Headquarters, Quebec, 12th March 1814.
My Lord,
When I had the honor of addressing to Your Lordship on the 9th of February last a Dispatch No 133.
The arrangements I had the honor of reporting to Your Lordship in my Letter of the 8th February, No 129; as in progress for reinforcing and maintaining the Post of Miohilimackinac are proceed- ing rapidly, having succeeded in making a small Establishment for the construction of the Gun Boats & Batteaux on the Nottawasague Eiver which empties itself into Lake Huron; —
I find from the advance of the season, the singular mildness of it, and the great probability that Lake Huron will be much sooner navigable this year than usual, that we must satisfy ourselves with completing Twenty five Batteaux. That number will enable Lieut Colonel McDonall to take with him in addition to a Detachment of Artillery & two Companies of the Eoyal Newfoundland Regi- ment, about five months provisions for the Garrison that will be at
576
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
that Post, and about one half of the Ammunition & Ordnance Stores proposed; the remainder must be sent for, after the arrival at Michilimaokinac of the reinforcement of Troops and the Seamen : — A letter just received from Captain Bullock of the 41st Regiment, who, at present commands at Mackinac, dated on the 17th of Jan- uary, and brought by an Indian, represents the extreme distress apprehended by his Garrison for want of food, and which must be in some degree realized before Lieut Colonel McDonall arrives with supplies, unless the Soldiers are industrious & fortunate in catch- ing Fish.
The Enemy are doubtless apprized of the critical and defenceless state of Mackinac, and will perceive the advantage of an early attack ; — shall endeavour both by Lake Huron, and the Communication by the Ottawa Eiver to have the Reinforcements and supplies there before them for with the loss of that Island our Fur Trade would expire ; —
I have ordered St Joseph's to be abandoned. I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's most obedient
and most humble Servant
George Prevost.
The Right Honorable Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c. [ Q 127, p 177 ]
COL. N. PINKNEY TO COL. EDWARD BAYNES.
Champlain, May 1st 1814.
Sir,
In reply to your note of this date covering a copy of your Instruc- tions from His Excellency Sir George Prevost I have the honor to inform you that I am instructed by the Secretary of State of the United States to enter into arrangements for an Armstioe which shall extend throughout the Territories of both parties including the coast along the Atlantic as well as the inland frontier of the United States & all the waters within the Territorial limits of either of the Parties & other waters common to or divided beween them. And though I am not instructed to say a conciliation shall follow an Armstice as a matter of course yet I can have no doubt the President of the United States sincerely desires the pending negotiation at Gottenburg
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST. 577
may result in an honorable adjustment of differences subsisting between the two Countries.
I have the honor to be Sir
Your most obedt Humble Servt
N. PiNKNEY,
Inspector General U. S. Army. Col. Edward Baynes, Adjutant General to the Forces in B. N. America.
Endorsed: Nb. 5.
In Sir G. Prevost's No. 155.
[ Q 127, p 371]
SIR GEOEGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. ,155.]
Head (Quarters, Montreal, 17th May 1814.
My Lord^
In reference to my dispatch to Your Lordship No 142 of the date of the 27th of March last I have the honor to inform you that in consequence of a communication received from Mr. Munroe the American Secretary of State relative to an Armistice I imme- diately directed Colonel Baynes Adjutant General to the Forces in the Canadas by the Letter* a copy of which is herewith transmitted to meet the officer appointed by the American Government on this occasion. i
I have now the honor of transmitting to Your Lordship a copy of Colonel Baynes' Beportf of the result of that meeting together with other papers connected with the subject, no communication has been since received from the American Government respecting it & measures are pursuing with the same vigor for the prosecution of the war as if no proposal of the above nature had been made. I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's most obedient and Humble Servant
George Prevost.
The Right Honble Earl Bathurst, &ca. &ca. &ca.
Endorsed: No. 155.
Montreal, 17 May 1814. R. July 3. Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. (Six Inclosures.)
[ Q 127, p 360 ]
* Published in Vol. 15 page 543.
t Report dated May 3, 1814, pablished in Vol. 15 page 547. 73
578
[ No. 156. ] My Lord,
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
Head Quarters, Montreal, 18tli May 1814.
I have great satisfaction in informing Your Lordship that Lieut. Col. McDonal having constructed in the course of the winter, on the Notta- wasaga Biver, thirty Batteaux of the largest class, four of which have Royal Artillery been armed with Carronades, he commenced descending that
1 Non comd. river with his flotilla to Lake Huron on his voyage to Mich-
guimere!^ ilHmackinac on the 19th ulto. with provisions, Naval & Ord- RoyaiNfd.Regt iiaD.ce Stores, & the reinforcement stated in the margin. As 2Captn8, it does not appear from any certain information which I 6 sSts!^*^"^ ha,ye been able to obtain, that the Enemy have availed 4 Corps. themselves of the protracted winter in making preparations 120 Privates. attack upon His Majesty's Possessions on Lake Huron,
^Ttiieat. American Force has been pushed across Lake St.
20 men. Clair, and up the St. Clair Biver to intercept the reinforce- ments moving towards Michillimackinac from the Nottawasaga, and the supplies which I have since forwarded by the Ottawa Bivers, I encourage the hope that Lieut. Colonel McDonal has before this reached his des- tination and placed the Post out of all danger from the Enemy's views for its reduction.
I have the honor to be My Lord
You Lordship's most obedient & Humble Servant.
George Prevost.
The Bight Honble Earl Bathurst.
Endorsed: No. 156.
Montreal, 18 May 1814. R. July 3. Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. (Five Inclosures.)
[ Q 127, p 374 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 157.]
Head Quarters, Montreal, 18th May 1814.
My Lord,
By Captain Fitzgerald of the 49th Begiment a disabled officer who returns to England in consequence of the loss of a Leg on eervioe in Upper Canada I have the honor to forward to Your
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
579
Lordship the Garrison Flags captured from the Enemy at Fort Michilimaokinao on the 17th July 1812, at Fort Niagara on the 19th December 1818, and at Fort Oswego on the 6th May 1814, which I request may be laid at the feet of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent.
I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
Most obedient and
Most humble Servant
George Prevost.
The Rt. Hon. Earl Bathurst, &c. &g. &c.
Bndorsed; Montreal, 18 May 1814. R. July 3. No. 157. Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost.
[ Q 127, p 395 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 160.]
Headquarters, Montreal, 19th May 1814.
My Lord,
In compliance with Your Lordship's directions signified to me in Your Dispatch No 56 of the date of the 27th Jany last. I have the honor herewith to transmit to you a Return of the Militia Officers who were present at the capture of Detroit, & whom I beg leave to recommend for the high distinction of having a Badge of Honor conferred upon them for their conduct on that occasion,
I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obedient and
most Humble Servant
George Prevost.
The Rt. Honble Earl Bathurst.
[ Q 127, p 400]
580
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
List of Officers of the Militia in the Canadas eligible to receive Honorary Medals.
At the Capture of Detroit on the 16th August 1812.
Colonel Matthew Elliott. Superintendant & commanding a body of Indians equivalent to a Battalion.
Lt. Col. Eobt. Nichol. Quarter Master General of the Militia of Upper Canada.
Lt Col. Jno McDonnell. Provincial Aide-de-Camp & performing the duties of Military Secretary to Major Genl. Brock.
George Prevost.
Head Quarters, IJ^Iontreal, 19th May 1814. [ Q127, p 402 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO SIR GORDON DRUMMOND.
Head Quarters, Montreal, 1st June 1814.
Sir,
It was with sincere regret & disappointment that I perused the detail of illiberal and wanton devastation, and unjustifiable outrage reported in your letter of the 27th Ulto & M. Genl. Riall's of the 19th to have been committed in the vicinity of the Village of Dover, & on its unoffending Inhabitants by the conflagration of their Dwelling Houses & Mills.
I cherished the hope that the severe tho' just retaliation inflicted for the destruction of the Village of Newark would have deterred the Enemy from recurring to similar acts of barbarity, under that impression I issued the Proclamation of the 4th January last, which has been most scrupulously adhered to by the Troops under my command. And it is with painful reluctance I feel myself compelled to return to a system so abhorrent to the principL^s of humanity, which always animated and characterized Britons, but such horrors cannot be suffered to remain without notice or unavenged.
You must therefore transmit by a Flag of Truce to the officer commanding the American Force nearest to you, a statemeit of those
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO SIR A. COCHRANE.
581
atrocities with iDformation that you have my Instructions to inflict a severe retaliation for them.
You may assure him that the same will be repeated for every act of cruel outrage committed on the defenceless & peaceful settlers of our Frontiers and that the British Fleet on the coast of America will be called upon to assist in this measure of just retaliation.
I have &c.
Geo. Prevost.
Lieut. Genl. Drummond. [ Q 129, p 147 ]
SIE GEOKGE PREVOST TO VICE ADMIRAL SIR A. COCHRANE.
Head Quarters, Montreal, 2nd June 1814.
Sir,
I have the honor to transmit to you a Copy of a Letter which I have written to Lieut Genl. Drummond in consequence of the late disgraceful conduct of the American Troops in the wanton destruc- tion of private property on the north shores of Lake Erie in order that if the war with the United States continues you may should you judge it advisable assist in inflicting that measure of retalia- iion which shall deter the Enemy from a repetition of similar outrages.
I have &c.
Geo. Prevost.
Vice Adml. Sir A. Cochrane, K. B., &ca. &ca. &ca.
[ Q 129, p 146 ]
582
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
ABSTR^T OF DESPATCHES RELATIVE TO THE NAVAL SQUADRON ON LAKE
ERIE IN THE YEAR 1813.
To Whom.
No.
Date.
Earl Bathurst.
Earl Bathnrst.
76
78
18th July 1813.
20 July 1813..
Earl Bathuret-
25th August 1813.
Earl Bathurst.
15th September 1813.
Earl Bathurst.
September, 1813-
From the reinforcements sent forward to Colonel Proctor, hopes entertained that something might be attempted in co-operation with the squadron under Captain Barclay, against the Enemy's Flotilla preparing at Presqu 'Isle in a state of for'^ardness.
Encloses an extract from Captain Barclay's Letter dated off Long point, 16th July 1813, with the state- ments accompanying it, shewing his wants to man and equip the squadron placed under his command and in order that His Lordship might be satisfied with the propriety of the demand for more seamen from England and Halifax:
Seamen the most material of Captain Barclay's wants. *
Reports his having moved forward to the Niagara Frontier in consequence of the Naval Superiority acquired by the Enemy on Lake Erie, from an ina- bility to obtain Officers and Seamen to man our Squadron and to assist General Procter in maintain- ing an unequal contest.
To bring before His Lordship the embarrassments under which the service labours in Upper Canada, encloses the copy of a letter to Commodore Sir James Yeo, impressing upon his mind the fatal con- sequencs of protracting the acquisition of the com- mand of Lake Ontario, upon which the very exist- ence of the Naval force on Lake Erie depends. A proportion of the crew of His Majesty's Ship Dover has been obtained for the service of Lake Erie; Encloses also a letter from Depy Asst. Commy Genl. Gilmour, stating the distress experienced by the Right Division of the Army for want of provisions and that two Batteaux had been sent to Port Talbot for Flour, with great risk,
Has reference to dispatch of 15th Sept.representing the difficulties in the Defence of Upper Canada from the loss of the Naval Superiority on Lake Erie, tmd the want of seamen to man the vessels at Amhurst- burg, a circumstance which has occasioned much embarrassment in obtaining food for the Troops and Indian Warriors, the intercourse with the Depots established at Long Point being interrupted.
Transmits the copy of Major General Proctor's Letter respecting the capture or destruction of our Fleet on Lake Erie.
The Major General does not state the extreme case which prevented him waiting the arrival of the re- mainder of the Dover's seamen, tho' induced to be- lieve the necessities of his Army, and those of the Navy, left him no alternative but to consent to Cap- tain Barclay's seeking a general action with the Enemy's Squadron, in order to restore a communi- cation with the depots at Long Point for the pur- pose of relieving their general distress.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST. ABSTRACT OF DESPATCHES, ETC.- Continued.
588
To Whom.
No.
Date.
Eail Bathurst.
91
8th October 1813.
Earl Batharst.
Ill
25th November 1813.
Since the date of my dispatch to yonr Lordship, No. 90, reporting the melancholy fate of our squadron on Lake Brie, a full confirmation of that disaster has reached me through the medium of the Ameri- can prints, and I transmit the copy of Commodore Perry's Official account of the action, the only one received in consequence of the dangerous situation of Captain Barclay and of the death wounds or cap- tivity of all his Officers:— General Proctor has been required to state his reasons for allowing Captain Barclay to wage the unequal contest between our squadron and that of an Enemy so superior to them, before the arrival of the remainder of ths seamen belonging to the Dover, which were on their way to him, but I have no doubt that the peculiar circum- stances under which the Major General was placed, and the distress he was suffering as well as appre- hending from the want of provisions will fully jus- tify him in this measure.
Transmits the copy of a letter from Commodore Sir James Yeo, together with Captain Barclay's Official Account of the Action on Lake Erie, on the ICth September, and referred to in Despatches No. 90 and 91— accompanied by a comparative statement of the two Squadrons, and the returns of the killed and wounded.
Head Quarters, Montreal, 11th June 1814. [ Q 318-2, p 493 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 168.]
Head Quarters, Montreal, 10th July 1814.
My Lord,
I have the honor to report to Your Lordship the safe arrival at Miohilimaokinac on the 18th May last of Lieut. Col. MoDonall with the whole of the reinforcements of Troops and seamen, and of the supplies of Stores and Provisions with which he sailed from Nottawasaga River on the 25th April preceeding.
The difficulties experienced, in conducting open and deeply laden Batteaux across so great an extent of water as Lake Huron covered with immense Fields of Ice and agitated by violent gales of wind, could only have been surmounted by the zeal, perseverance and abilities of the officer commanding this expedition, for nineteen days
584
COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS.
it was nearly one continued struggle with the elements during which time the dangers, hardships, and privations to which the men were exposed were suflSoient to discourage the boldest amongst them, and at times threatened the total destruction of the Flotilla.
By uncommon exertions however, the obstacles to the progress of the Boats were surmounted, and the whole, with the exception of one only (the lading of which was saved), reached the place of their destination, to the great joy of the Garrison, who had been anx- iously looking out for this timely relief: Measures were taken by Colonel McDonall immediately after his arrival, to strengthen the defences of the Fort, and I have had the satisfaction of hearing from him, as late as the 18th of June, that the works had assumed so formidable an attitude, as to leave him no apprehension of the result of any attack which the Enemy might make upon this post.
Colonel McDonall reports to me the arrival at the Fort of nearly 200 of the Western Indians under Mr. Dickson, a reinforcement which he considers highly important, he describes these Western Warriors to be a warlike and determined race, on whom great reli- ance may be placed, and much superior to those who inhabit the Shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior; the unfortunate events of the last campaign aided by the intrigues of the American Emissaries who had greatly magnified the successes of the Enemy, would certainly have produced a defection from our cause of most of the Indian Tribes had it not been for the judicious resolute and determined conduct of Mr. Dickson, and the seasonable arrival and distribution of the Presents which I had caused to be forwarded to Michilimackinac by the Grand River, immediately after the loss of our Fleet on Lake Erie, and the consequent interruption of our communication to Lake Huron by that route.
The retention by us of the most important Post of Michilimack- inac w4aioh has thus afforded us the means both of protecting and supplying the Indian Tribes who resort to it, and the assurances which have constantly been held out to them, that they would not be deserted by us, have in addition to the causes I have already mentioned, hitherto retained them in our favor, notwithstanding the attempt of the Enemy to seduce them, the necessity therefore of attending to their interests in any negociation for a Peace with America must be obvious to Your Lordship, as I am well assured that should they be overlooked they will form warm & faithful allies, become our most rancourous and inveterate Enemies, and will
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
585
unite with the Americans in any subsequent attempt to drive us from the Country.
I herewith transmit to Your Lordship the Speeches* made by the Indian Chiefs, and the reply of Colonel MoDonall at a late Council held at this Post, and which will tend to confirm the observations I have made on this subject.
I deem it my duty to state for Your Lordship's consideration, that the possession of the Island and Fort of Michilimackinao is of the first importance as tending to promote our Indian connection and secure them in our Interest.
Its Geographical position is admirable, its influence extends, and is felt amongst the Indian Tribes at New Orleans and the Pacific Ocean, vast Tracts of Country look to it for protection and supplies; and it gives security to the great Trading Establishments of the North West and Hudsons Bay Companies; by supporting the Indians on the Mississippi; the only barrier which interposes between them and the Enemy, and which if once forced (an event that lately appeared probable) their progress into the heart of these companies Settlements by the Eed River is practicable, & would enable them to execute their long formed project of monopolizing the whole Fur Trade into their own hands — from these observations Your Lordship will be enabled to judge how necessary the possession of this valu- able post, situated on the outskirts of these extensive Provinces is daily becoming to their future security and protection.
Measures are now in operation for forwarding to this Post, by the Grand River, and also by the route of York, Lake Simcoe and Matchedash further supplies of Provisions and Indian Presents, and should they fortunately arrive in safety the Garrison will be amply furnished with all they can require during the present campaign. I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obedient
Humble Servant
George Prevost.
To The Right Honble Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c. [ Q 128-1, p 7 ]
* Speeches published in Vol. 15, page 558. 74
586
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 173.]
Head Quarters, Montreal, 14tli July 1814.
My Lord,
AdvertiDg to Your Lordship's Secret Despatch of the 3d June, which I have already had the honor to acknowledge, I beg leave to acquaint you that no Armistice has been entered into between the Forces of the United States, and those under my command, nor has any negooiation on the subject taken place since my Despatch to Your Lordship No 155 of the 17th of May last. I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obedient and
most humble Servant
George Prevost.
To The Eight Honble The Earl of Bathurst, &c. &c. &c.
[ Q 128-1, p 59 ]
vice admiral sir a. COCHRANE TO JOHN W. CROKER, ESQ.
Bermuda, 18th July 1814.
Sir,
Lieut Genl Sir George Prevost having transmitted to me the copy of a Letter which he has addressed to Lieut. Genl. Drummond in consequence of the late disgraceful conduct of the American Troops in the wanton destruction of private property on the north shores of Lake Erie, in order that if the war with the United States continues I may if I think proper assist in afflicting that measure of retaliation which shall deter the Enemy from a repetition of similar outrages.
I am most decidedly of opinion that the readiest way to attain this object is to bring home to the supporters of the Government which authorises this unnatural system of warfare a full share of its dreadful calamities and to this end I have issued to the senior officer of H. M. Blockading Squadron an order accompanied by a secret memorandum of which I enclose copies together with copies
MEMORANDUM OF ADMIRAL COCHRANE. 587
of Sir George Prevost's letter* and it's Inolosure to be laid before my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.
I have &o. &o.
Alexr. Cochrane,
Vice Admiral.
J. W. Croker, Esqr., &c. &c. &c. [ Q 129, p 139 J
MEMORANDUM OF VICE ADMIRAL SIR A. COCHRANE.
(Secret Memorandum to accompany foregoing order, f )
Bermuda, 18th July 1814.
Notwithstanding my public order of this day's date directing you to destroy and lay waste such Towns and Districts of the Enemy as may be within your power, you are hereby authorized to except such Islands and places as either from furnishing supplies or being likely to be hereafter occupied by us in furtherance of the objects of the war in which we are engaged it may be more advantageous to ourselves to treat with a marked lenity and forbearance.
And if in any descent you shall be enabled to take such a posi- tion as to threaten the Inhabitants with the destruction of their property, you are hereby authorized to levy upon them contributions in return for your forbearance and in proportion to the value of private property thus spared.
But you will not by this understand that the magazines belong- ing to the Government or their Harbours or their Shipping are to be included in such arrangements these together with their contents are in all cases to be taken away or destroyed.
A. Cochrane.
[Q 129,. p 144]
* For letter and enclosure see page 580.
t The foregoing order refers to the order for retaliation upon American troops along Lake Erie., published in Vol, 15. page 621.
588
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
LT. COL. E. MC DONALL TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
MiCHiLiMAOKiNAC, 20th July 1814.
SiDce I last had the honor of addressing Your Excellency, no occurrence of particular interest has taken place. I however more and more feel the burthen of the task of making our provisions hold out, and the utter impossibility of the quantity originally cal- culated upon, being at all equal to the expenditure — ^the difficulty of my situation in this respect has given me no small uneasiness— the Soldier without foresight and caring only for the present, can- not comprehend the necessity for retrenchment, and becomes dissat- isfied with the least diminution of the Eation; since the loss of Amherstburg & Detroit, the Indians that used to receive their sup- plies from these places, now flock hither, in addition to the swarms who resort to us from Lake Michigan, Green Bay, La Cloche & Lake Superior: the consequence is that there is a complete influx of them, and coming at times from very distant parts and with nothing to eat, it would neither be consistent with good policy or humanity to refuse them provisions, and yet at times our issue of Rations has been so much beyond our present means, that I have been obliged to refuse men suffering greatly from Hunger, thereby tending to lessen their zeal and attachment, and subjecting me to the imputation of being a harsh and severe Father that has no compassion or pity for their starving condition.
Your Excellency may be assured, that the idea of feeding the Indians from this place, upon the Enemy, is altogether delusive; that plan did not succeed at Amherstburg or save a day's Rations when they were backed by a strong regular Force, supported by the Fleet and the means of occasionally living on the Enemy near at hand. We are without these facilities and no place within our reach that could possibly supply a days provisions. I have also found that such Indians as I have sent out towards the River St. Clair or on any other Duty have invariably consumed more than double their allowance in this Garrison — I have ascertained from experience that even with the most rigid oeconomy, it will upon an average require an issue of 300 Rations daily to Indians in addition to a similar number or near it for our own Troops.
I am fully aware of the difficulty of supplying this demand, and of the pressure on the Commissariat in other places but it is indis- pensible to the preservation of this Island and at this particular period of the war, when a general rising of the Indians may be
LETTER FROM CAPTAIN R. H. BARCLAY.
589
expected, nothing could be effected without assisting them with Provisions, an ill-timed penury now would have a bad effect, and render of little use what has already been done and expended on them.
The same causes have tended to the speedy emptying of the Indian Store, the demands upon it from all parts have been unusually great and the essential articles of Powder, Ball, Guns, and Tobacco are still much wanted. Mr. Dickson and myself have taken much pains in judiciously distributing the presents in such a manner as has given the Indians great satisfaction and must deeply impress them with the munificence of the British Government and materially tend to confirm their attachment.
I trust Your Excellency will be enabled to direct Lieut General Drummond, to seize the precious opportunity which Lake Huron is free, to supply us as quickly as possible with Provisions till the end of June next so essential to our safety in the event of being Blockaded this Fall or early next year; our Indian reports speak positively of our being attacked next month, but our new works are now in a very formidable state, the Blockhouse in the center of them finished, and the whole in a condition to bid defiance to the Enemy who nevertheless may be induced to hazard an attack, from conceiving us to be greatly weakened by the Expedition to the Prairie des Ohiens. I have &c.
E. MoDONALL,
, Lt. Col. Commdg.
His Excelly Lt. Gen'l Sir G. Prevost, &c. &c. &.
Mr. Monk the Commissary states that it will require 550 Barrels of Flour and 150 of Pork, 'till the beginning of July.
Endorsed:
Lt. Genl. Sir Geo. Prevost. No. 186. 14 Augt. 1814.
[ Q 128-1, p 148 ]
letter from oapt. r. h. barclay.
My Lord,
After the disastrous termination of the action in which I com- manded on Lake Erie, I lost the greater number of my public papers, and other documents relating to my situation, and the great want of all sorts of stores. On representing the case to His Excellency Sir George Prevost, he gave me copies of some, and references to
590
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Your Lordship's office for others; that at the Court Martial whioh must be held on my conduct, I may be enabled fully to prove my necessitous situation, also the line of conduct required for me to pursue to endeavour to save the portion of the army serving in conjunction with me, and to prevent His Majesty's Territory being invaded.
I take the liberty of accompanying this with the references alluded to, and hope you will allow them to be copied for me.
I beg to assure Your Lordship, that if I can give any particular local information, either from what I have myself observed, or gathered from the conversation and opinions of others, while I was in Canada I shall while in Town, be most happy to wait on you. I have the honor to be
Your Lordship's most
obedt. & humble Servt
E. H. Barclay,
Com. B. N.
No. 4 MiLLBANK Street, Westminster, August 5th, 1814. [ Q 318-2, p 491 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 186.]
Head Quarters, Montreal, 14th August 1814.
My Lord,
Since I last had the honor of addressing Your Lordship on the subject of our affairs at Miohilimaokinao, and in the Indian Terri- tory, an Express Canoe has arrived from the Falls of St Mary's (which forms the communication between Lake Superior and Lake Huron) with Intelligence of an American force in Gun Boats hav- ing appeared off that Establishment on the 23d Ulto and destroyed it. They informed the Settlers that they were a part of the Expe- dition, sent by the American Government from Detroit, against Mackinac, and that it consisted of six sail of Vessels and Ten Gun Boats, having on board about One Thousand men.
On the 24th & 25th after the Enemy had retired from St Mary's a severe Cannonade was heard during the whole of both those days in the direction of Mackinac, and on several days afterwards, until the 1st of this month, when the messenger came away, some partial
LIEUT. COL. McDONALL TO SIR GEO. PREVOST.
591
:firing — Mackinac was not considered in danger — a large fire seen in ihat direction was concluded to be the destruction of the Village by fire which is situated below the Fort.
The North West Company's Canoes laden with Furs were met on Lake Superior, and in consequence of the information of the Enemy's Flotilla being on Lake Huron, they returned to Fort William.
The Messenger met a division of Canoes I had sent from hence by the Ottawa Kiver about a month ago, within four days paddling of Mackinac. They were loaded with Provisions, Ammunition and Indian Presents and had retired to a place of safety until Intelli- gence should be obtained of the result of the Enemy's attack.
I have the honor of transmitting to Your Lordship the copy of a Letter* addressed to me by Lieut Col. McDonall but a few days before the attack of his Post took place, in order that Your Lord- ship may judge of the confidence with which he looked to the result of such an event.
I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
Most obedient
Humble Servant.
G"EORGE PrEVOST
To The Right Honble Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. <fec.
Eadorsed: Head Quarters, Montreal, 14 August 1814.
Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 186. One Inclosure.
[ Q 128-1, p 145 ]
LT. COL. ROBT. MC DONALL TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
MioHiLiMACKiNAC, 14th August 1814.
Sir,
I have reported to Lieut Genl. Drummond the particulars of the attack made by the Enemy on this Post on the 4th Inst. My situation was embarrassing. I knew that they could land upwards of a Thousand men, and after manning the Guns at the Forts I had only a disposable Force of one hundred and Forty to meet them; which I determined to do in order as much as possible to encourage the Indians, and having the fullest confidence in the little Detachment of the Koyal Newfoun(Jland Eegt — The position I
* For letter see page 588.
592
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
took up was excellent but at an unavoidable and too great a distance from the Forts, in each of which I was only able to leave Twenty five Militia men, there were likewise Eoads upon my Flanks, every inch of which were known to the Enemy by means of the people formerly residents of this Island, which were with them, I could not afford to detach a man to guard them, and it is one of the great misfortunes of having to do with Indians, and depending much upon them, that they will do as they like and in action it is impossible to form any previous judgment, whether they will behave well or ill, or are disposed to fight or not.
My position was rather too extensive for such a handful of men, the ground was commanding & in front clear as I could wish it. On both our Flanks & Kear a thick wood, my utmost wish was that the Indians would only prevent the Enemy from gaining the woods upon our Flanks, which would have forced them upon the open ground in our front; a natural Breast work protected my men from every shot, and I had told them that on the close approach of the Enemy they were to pour in a volley and immediately charge, numerous as they were, all were fully confident of the result.
On the advance of the Enemy my 6 Pr. and 3 Pr. opened a heavy fire upon them, but not with the effect they should have had, being not well manned, and for want of an Artillery Officer, which would have been invaluable to us as they moved slowly and cau- tiously declining to meet me on the open ground, but gradually gaining my left Flank which the Indians permitted even in the woods, without firing a shot. I was even obliged to weaken my small Front by detaching the Michigan Fencibles to oppose a party of the Enemy which were advancing to the woods on my right. I now received accounts from Major Crawford of the Militia, that the Enemy's two large Ships had anchored in the rear of my Left, and that Troops were moving by a Road in that direction towards the Forts. I therefore immediately moved to place myself between them and the Enemy, and took up a position effectually covering them, from whence collecting the greater part of the Indians who had retired and taking with me Major Crawford and about 50 militia, I again advanced to support a party of the Fallovine Indians, who with their gallant chief Thomas had commenced a spirited attack upon the Enemy, who in a short time lost their second in com- mand and several other oflBcers, seventeen which we counted dead upon the field, besides what they carried off, and a considerable
LIEUT. COL. McDONALL TO SIR GEO. PREVOST. 59S
number wounded. The Enemy retired in the utmost haste and con- fusion followed by the Troops, till they found shelter under the very Broadside of their Ships anchored within a few yards of the Shore. They reembarked that evening & the vessels immediately hauled off.
Though the Enemy formidable as they were in numbers have made so very poor a business of their attack, yet still I must ever regret their not being more effectually punished, which would not assuredly have been the case, had not the Indians gradually disap- peared, leaving both Flanks uncovered. The gallant Fallsovines with a few Winnebagoes, Chippawas and Ottawas certainly retrieved their character.
I am now fully convinced of the great danger of depending upon these people for the defence of this Island, they are fickle as the wind, a most difficult task to keep them with us and tho' the. American Commodore avowed to Major Crawford his intention of renewing his attack the instant he received some reinforcements (by the end of this month) yet all my endeavours have not been able to prevent a great many from going away, according to their cus- tom after an action. Should they be as good as their word (and they say the Island must be retaken, cost what it will) I shall have to encounter them with a Force considerably diminished while theirs will have been proportionately increased.
I have therefore to assure Your Excellency that the present Gar- rison is entirely inadequate to the defence of the Island which has now assumed a degree of importance which it never had before and which would be productive of most serious consequences were its safety and due security to be neglected. Indeed it is of such con- sequence that this Frontier should be kept in a respectable state of defence, that when all the reinforcements have arrived it would be worth while to employ a Regiment between this place and the Mississippi — We here require at least, one hundred picked men and an officer and Twenty Artillery — and a Company (and a small Detachment of artillery) are absolutely necessary to defend Lieut Col. McKays new conquest. The fort is represented to me as being strongly situated and being capable of making an excellent defence.
The Enemy's designs upon that fine country have been long formed and they had not a doubt of the whole of it as well as this Island being by this time in their possession by which means our connection with all the Indians of the Mississippi would have 75
594 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS. \
been completely cut off, nothing could have opposed them on that \ Kiver and they could with impunity have carried their schemes of ; conquest even to Hudson's Bay.
It will give me uncommon satisfaction should Your Excellency \ be convinced of the importance of securing the Mississippi and the \ beneficial consequences which must result therefrom, for I should \ then consider it practicable that a company under an active intelli- ] gent officer might still garrison Fort McKay previous to the Winter '\ they might embark at Nottawasaga in the Nancy, and have ample \ time to reach that place, whereas if omitted till next year, it will be the middle of June, before they can reach it which I much i fear will enable the Enemy previously to attack it. ]
Mr. Rolette tells me there are ample supplies to maintain the Garrison. The Indians cannot be relied on for its defence but a company of regular Troops would rally around them and firmly retain in our Interest all the Tribes of Indians on the Mississippi — ; A number of them, particularly those in the neighbourhood of St I Louis being without support from us and in the power of the Enemy have accordingly temporized and kept back. A singular ; instance of this lately occurred, Governor Clarke on his return Route to the Prairie des Chiens, made peace with the Sauks and ; the Renards, but the instant they heard of the capture of the Fort \ and the arrival of the British, than they immediately obeyed Col. McKay's summons, was supplied by him with ammunition and; attacking Major Campbell's Flotilla effected the destruction of hisj whole detachment. j
This signal and justly deserved punishment, together with the j capture of Fort McKay and the General union of the Indians, will : cause great terror at St Louis and I think fully deter them from ; making any attempts upon reconquered country till the ensuing^ spring.
I have &c. \
ROBT. McDoNALL,
Lt. Col. \
{ i
To His Excellency Lieut. Genl. Sir Geo. Prevost, Bart, &c. &c. &c. ,
Endorsed: ^ Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 192. 20th Beptr. 1814. ^
[Q 128-1, p 229] , \
MEMORIAL OP SARAH ELLIOTT.
595
YIOE ADMIRAL SIR A. COCHRANE TO JAMES MONROE, SEC'Y OF STATE.
H. B. M. Ship Tounant, in the Sir, Patuxint Eiver, 18tli August 1814.
Having been called upon by the Governor General of the Canadas to aid him in carrying into effect measures of retaliation against the Inhabitants of the United States for the wanton destruction committed by their Army in Upper Canada, it has become impe- riously my duty, conformably with the nature of the Governor Gen- eral's application to issue to the Naval Force under my command an order to destroy & lay waste such Towns & Districts upon the coast as may be found available.
I had hoped that this contest would have terminated without my being obliged to resort to severities that are contrary to the usage of civilized warfare, & as it has been with extreme reluctance & concern that I have found myself compelled to adopt this system of Devastation, I shall be equally gratified if the conduct of the Executive of the United States will authorize my staying such proceedings, by making reparation to the suffering Inhabitants of Upper Canada, thereby manifesting that if the destructive measures pursued by their Army were ever sanctioned, they will no longer be permitted by the Government.
I have &c. &c.
Alexr. Cochrane, Vice Adml. & Oommr. in Chief of H. B. M. Ship & Vessels.
The Honble. Jas. Munroe, Secretary of State, Washington.
[ Q 129, p 150 ]
MEMORIAL OP MRS. SARAH ELLIOTT.
To His Excellency Sir George Prevost Baronet, Captain General and Governor in Chief in and over the Provinces of Lower Can- ada, Upper Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and their sev- eral dependencies. Vice Admiral of the same, and Commander in Chief of all His Majesty's forces, in the said Provinces of Lower Canada, Upper Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and their several dependencies and in the Islands of New Foundland, Cape Breton, Prince Edward and the Bermudas &c. &c. &c.
The Memorial of Sarah Elliot, widow of Matthew Elliott, late of Maiden, in the Province of Upper Canada, Esquire, Lieutenant
596 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS. ;
Colonel of Militia, and Deputy Superintendant of Indian affairs in; the said Province, deceased.
Kespeotfully sheweth, ;
That Your Memorialist's said late husband served upwards of Fortyj years in the Indian Department, into which he entered as Captain] in the beginning of the American Rebellion, and continued to serve^ till his death, his illness preceding which was brought on by the] excessive fatigues and hardships to which his services from the com-' mencement of the present war, had subjected him. 3
That your memorialist's said Husband by his long official inter-! course with the Indians, and by his prudence and address, had^ acquired an extensive influence with them, which he assiduously] exerted to promote the views and interests of His Majesty's Gov-j ernment, and was frequently employed in the discharge of confidential] and important duties, the objects of which were to counteract the- policy of the American Government and secure the fidelity & ser-j vices of the Indian Nations. i
At the opening of the present war, Your Memorialist's said bus-! band was living at Maiden, in possession of extensive and well cultivated Estates, with all the advantages which wealth could afford. Upon the first indications of Hostility, his property was neglected,! and his attention wholly withdrawn from his private concerns, to; be applied exclusively to His Majestys Service.
He placed himself at the head of the Indians, and notwithstand-; ing his advanced age, encountered all the hardships, which their mode of warfare produces, and fought with them in all the engage-l ments with the Enemy, in which they took part. His two sons were also employed in the same service "under him, and the eldest, of them which had been admitted to the Bar in Lower Canada, i and was of great promise, was in the early part of the war, treach-' erously killed, by some American Indians whom he had taken i prisoners.
When General Proctor determined to evacuate Amherstburg, andi retreat to Burlington Heights, Your Memorialist's said Husband, \ contented to sacrifice his private Interests to his duty, abandoned' his houses and property to accompany General Proctor, bringing off; with him only his plate, and the most valuable part of his portable j effects. These together with his plate, which alone was worth upwards! of fifteen hundred pounds, were contained in nine waggons, and withi thirty horses belonging to him under the care of his servants, hadi reached the Moravian village, before the unfortunate Battle fought
ENGLISH AND AMERICAN BOATS ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN. 597
with General Harrison. It was in his power to have saved them, if his attention had been diverted for a moment from his public duty; but in this his mind was so entirely absorbed that he omitted ! the expedients by which this property might have been rescued from ^ capture, and the whole of it fell into the hands of the enemy, ^ whereby he was deprived of his fortune. His Estates and property * at Amherstburg have since been in the possession of the Enemy, and Your Excellency's memorialist with two young children by her said Husband has thus been reduced from affluence to absolute want — without a home and without means of subsistence. 1 Under these circumstances, Your Excellency's memorialist can ' expect relief only from that Government in whose service her late Husband sacrificed his fortune and his life, and whose generosity I has never failed to repair the losses sustained by its meritorious ) servants in the service of their Country.
Wherefore Your Excellency's memorialist humbly entreats the attention of Your Excellency to her destitute situation, and prays that Your Excellency, prompted by your well known humanity and 1 justice will be graciously pleased to afford her such relief as in Your Excellency's wisdom may appear proper. And Your Excel- lency's Memorialist as in duty bound will ever pray, &c. &c. &c. > Sarah Elliott.
Montreal, 29th August 1814.
Endorsed: Widow Elliott's Memorial.
COMPARATIVE STATE OF THE FLOTILLAS ON LAKE OHAMPLAIN ON THE
[ Q 318-2, p 532 ]
IITH SEPTR. 1814.
English.
American.
Gane.
Gans.
Ship Confeance
Brig Linnet
Sloop Chub .
Sloop
Gunboats 12, carrying
36 Ship Saratoga.
18 Brig Surprize
10 Schooner Thunderer
26 20 16 7 14
10 Sloop Peeble
16 Gunboats 10, carrying
Total
90
Total
83
Endorsed:
Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prerost.
Prirate. 22d Sept. 1814.
[ Q 128-2, p 258 ]
598
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
SIK GEOKGE PKEVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 192.]
Head Quarters, Montreal, 20tli September 1814.
My Lord,
I have the honor to transmit to Your Lordship a copy of a Letter* I have received from Lieut. Col. MoDonall, by which it appears, that the attack upon his Post which in my Dispatch No 186 of the 14th August, I mentioned as having probably taken place, on the 24th or 25th July was not made by the Enemy until the 4th of August and terminated in the manner in which Lieut Colonel McDonall had confidently anticipated.
The force employed in this Expedition having quitted Lake Huron, I have reason to think no further attempt will be made this year in that quarter.
The gallantry, skill and conduct manifested by Lieut Colonel McDonall and his small Garrison in defending his Post against such superior numbers, will not I am certain escape Your Lordship's observation, or fail to procure for that Officer the approbation of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent.
I have also to congratulate Your Lordship upon the complete success which has attended the expedition to La Prairie du Chien under Lieut Colonel McKay, — the enclosed copy from that active and enterprizing officer's Dispatch to Lieut Colonel McDonall, will shew Your Lordship the extent of the advantages gained on this occasion, and the persevering zeal, and courage with which they have been acquired.
In consequence of the urgent solicitations of Lt. Colonel McDonall for a reinforcement to his Garrison, I have detached a company of the 81st Regiment and a small party of artillery for this service and they left La Chine in Canoes on the 10th Inst, to proceed to their destination by the Grand River.
I have not thought it advisable to comply with the Lieut Colonel's request for a company to be alloted to garrison the new conquest of Fort McKay, it being impossible they could reach that station before the season is too far advanced, being deprived of the means of Transport he had proposed from Nottawasaga, the Nancy Schooner having been destroyed by her crew, when that place was blockaded by a strong force of the Enemy, in search of this our only remain- ing vessel on Lake Huron, early in the last month, which circum- stance has reduced me to the necessity of Transporting in Canoes
• For letter eee page 591.
J. W. CROKER TO GENERAL BUNBURY. . 599
to the Ottawa River and Lake Nippissing the Provisions and sup- plies necessary for the maintenance of the Garrison of Michilimack- inao during the approaching Winter. I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obedient
Humble Servant
Geoege 1*eevost.
The Right Honble Earl Bathurst, <fec. &c. &c.
Bndorsed: Head Quarters, Montreal, 20th Sept. 1814.
Lt. Genl. Sir G, Prevost. No. 192. E. 16 Nov. Two Enclosures.
[ Q 128-1, p 226 1
J. w. orokee to maj. gen. bunbuey.
Admiealty Office, 27th Sept. 1814,
Sir,
In reference to my Letter of the 25th Ulto relative to the retal- iating measures taken by Vice Admiral Sir A. Cochrane in conse- quence of the disgraceful conduct of the American Troops in the wanton destruction of private property on the North Shores of Lake Erie.
I am commanded by my Lords Commrs. of the Admiralty to transmit to you for the information of Earl Bathurst, the accom- panying copy of a Letter* addressed by the Vice Admiral to the Secretary of State of the United States, acquainting him of the order issued on that occasion. I am Sir
Your most obedient
humble Servant
J. W. Crokee.
Major Genl. Bunbury. [ Q 129, p 149 ]
♦For letter see page 595.
600
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
LT. COL. ROBT. MO DONALL TO SIR GORDON DRUMMOND.
MiOHiLiMAOKiNAC, 2d Octr. 1814.
Sir,
I have great pleasure in acquainting you that the Enemy have again been defeated in another attempt to ascend the Mississippi for the purpose of retaking Fort McKay at the Prairie des Chiens.
The Indians having received timely notice of the intended expe- dition, were not slow in taking their measures to repel the threat- ened attack. They assembled to the number of twelve Hundred, and judiciously determined to dispute their passage at the Rapids of the Eock River, the scene of their Triumph in July last— Capt Anderson had also sent a small detachment • of Twenty men from Fort McKay to their assistance with a Field Piece and two Swivels under the command of Lieut Graham of the Indian department who also assumed the command of the Indians. The Enemy made their appearance on the 5th Ulto in eight very large Gunboats of peculiar construction being covered so as to resist musquetry, and some of them of such a size, as to show six Ports a side; on their approach Lieut Graham concealed the whole of his force, it being his inten- tion not to attack them until they were entangled in the Rapids, but the impetuosity of the Indians could not be restrained and having killed one of the Enemy's sentries, it occasioned the com- mencement of the action, as the Americans however durst not trust themselves from the shelter of their covered Boats it deprived the Indians of the opportunity they so much wished for of shewing the zeal and enthusiasm with which they were animated; the brunt of it therefore fell on the little Detachment from Fort McKay that served the Guns which under the able management of Sergeant Keating of the Royal Artillery were plied with such skill and suc- cess, that in the course of an hour the Enemy were completely beaten and driven down the River, our Guns playing upon them as long as they could be drag'd along the Beach, after burying their dead they commenced their retreat for St. Louis.
The loss of the Enemy on this occasion must necessarily have been considerable as upwards of fifty shot passed through their Boats, which were crowded with men, their force not being less than six hundred — They kept up during the action, a brisk random firing, their confusion being great at unexpectedly encountering a British Detachment on such a distant part of the Mississippi.
SIR GEORGE PRBVOST TO GEORGE HARRISON.
601
To Lieut Graham of the Indian Department who commanded I am under great obligation for his very judicious and gallant con- duct, nor must the successful exertions and professional skill evinced by Serjt Keating of the Koyal Artillery be omitted.
I beg leave to recommend them both as highly deserving of your notice, I am also much indebted to Capt Anderson commanding at Fort McKay for the timely support which he afforded the Indians upon this occasion.
The good conduct and unanimity displayed by the Indians in the execution of this service, was such as has been seldom before seen amongst them and may be productive of the best effects hereafter. Tribes whose hereditary enmity was inveterate for many generations now strove which should be foremost in danger the recent and unprovoked invasion of the Americans having convinced them that there is no safety in submission, and that their future independance and the undisturbed enjoyment of the Lands which they desired from their Forefathers could only be secured by a general union against the common Enemy.
I have &c.
Rt. MoDonall, Lt. Col.
Oomdg. at Michilimackinac.
To Lieut. Genl. Drummond, &c. &c. &c.
Ehidorsed:
Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 212. 10th Novr. 1814.
[ Q 128-2, p 430 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO GEORGE HARRISON, ESQ.
Head Quarters, Montreal, 3d October 1814.
Sir,
I have the honor to transmit to you the enclosed letter from Sir John Johnson Bart, Superintendant General of the Indian Departmt. covering a memorial from Sarah Elliott widow of Mathew Elliott Esqr. late Depy. Superintendant of Indian Affairs in Upper Canada which I request may be submitted to the favorable consideration of the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury in the hope that their Lordships may see proper to authorize such a rate of 76
602 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
pension to be borne on the establishment of the Indian Department as will afford to Mrs. Elliott and her family the means of subsistence.
I have the honor to be Sir
Your most obedient humble Servant
Geobge Prevost,
Commander of the Forces.
To George Harrison, Esqr., &c. &c. &c., Treasury Chambers.
Endorsed: Montreal, 3d Oct. 1814.
Sir G. Prevost, with one from Sir John Johnson, Bt., Superintendt. General of Indian Depart, with Memo, of Sarah Elliott, widow of Mr. Elliott, late Depy. Superintendt. of Indian Affaire in Uppwr Canada, for relief. Eecd. 16 Novr. 1814.
[ Q 318-2, p 528 ]
LETTER FROM SIR JOHN JOHNSON.
Montreal, 3d October 1814.
Sir,
The unfortunate widow of the late Colonel Elliott has arrived here^ almost destitute of every necessary as well as of the means of sup- port, having accompanied her late Husband after the evacuation of Amherstburg, leaving their possessions and property to the mercy of the Enemy, except what they hastily brought off with them, of which they were also deprived by the defeat near the Moravian Village.
She has requested me to ^lay before His Excellency the Com- mander of the Forces the enclosed Memorial* in hopes of some immediate relief, & that her sufferings & losses will be taken into consideration and relief afforded her as she may be entitled to, from the^ meritorious services of her late much to be lamented Husband, from my personal knowledge of the late Colonel Elliott, and from Documents in my possession, I can vouch for the correctness of the statements set forth in the memorial, and can with confidence add, that I have every reason [to believe the capture and extention of the Michigan Territory, as long as it was in our possession, was
♦For Memorial see page 595.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
603
more owing to his influence, and unwearied zeal and spirited conduct with the Indian Nation under his superintendance and com- mand, than to any other cause. I cannot therefore but contribute my Hopes and wishes, that she may meet with the relief she solicits, and so much stands in need of, and that the merits and situation of her late Husband may be considered to entitle her to. I have the honor to be Sir
Your most obedient
Hble Servt.
John Johnson,
[ Q 318-2, p 530 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.*
[No. 198.]
Cornwall, Upper Canada, 7th October 1814.
My Lord,
I have the honor to transmit to Your Lordship the highly grati- fying intelligence which I have this moment received from Lieut Colonel McDonall Commanding at Mackinac, of the capture, in the neighborhood of St Joseph's, in the most gallant manner, by board- ing, of the two American Schooners which had been left on Lake Huron for the purpose of blockading Mackinac and cutting off all supplies from that Island, an(^ our other possessions on Lake Huron and Lake Superior.
In one of my late communications to Your Lordship I had the honor to report the destruction of our only remaining vessel on Lake Huron, and how much embarrassment arose from that untoward circumstance, in sending forward those supplies which had become indispensable for the support of the Garrison of Mackinac during the fast approaching winter, when communication with it is impractica- ble. Your Lordship will from that circumstance duly appreciate the perseverance and exertions of Lieutenant Worsley of the Koyal Navy, who after the Enemy had destroyed the Schooner Nancy at the entrance of the Nottawasaga Kiver, embarked in two Batteaux with Lieuts Livingstone and seventeen seamen & arrived at Mackinac on the 31st of August having on his passage across Lake Huron dis- covered the Enemy's Vessels near the Detour, and skillfully avoided
♦Part of this letter will also be found oa page 451 of Vol. 16,
'604
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
capture: — Lieut Worsley instantly suggested the possibility of a suc- cessful attack being made upon them, to which Lieut Col. McDonall promptly acceded.
These captures are of the highest importance to His Majesty's possessions on Lake Huron and on the Mississippi as the Vessels are admirably adapted for the navigation of that Lake, and Lake Michigan, and for conveying the supplies so much required.
As Lieutenant Worsley appears to have been most ably supported by the Detachment of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, commanded by Lieut Bulger, I beg leave to recommend that officer, as well as Lieut Worsley of the Royal Navy to the gracious consideration of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent. I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
Most obedient &
most humble Servant
George Peevost.
To The Right Honorable Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: Cornwall, Upper Canada, 7th Octo. 1814. Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 198.
[ Q 128-2, p 290 ]
SIB GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 211.]
Head Quarters, Montreal, 8th October 1814.
My Lord,
The Enemy have been repulsed by our Indian Allies in another attempt to ascend the Mississippi for the purpose of retaking Fort McKay at La Prairie des Chiens.
I would not defer making this pleasing communication to your Lordship altho' I am not yet in possession of the particulars of the affair. Lieut. Colonel McDonall's official Report having been sent by Lake Simcoe.
The Enterprize was undertaken with a large force and it being again frustrated I consider of great important, as it will infuse such a degree of confidence and spirit in the Indians that I trust the Enemy will have no chance of subduing the formidable confederacy now in arms against them.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
605
I have the satisfaction to report to Your Lordship the arrival at Maokinao of the reinforcement sent from hence by the Ottawa in September.
If we succeed in establishing ourselves in the course of the winter at Penetanguishene, many of the difficulties which attend the trans- port of presents for the Indians will be removed, so that the Prince Eegent's liberality may flow to every part of the extensive Country peopled by our Allies.
The American Government is in vain endeavouring to obtain Peace from the Indians.
I have the honor to transmit herewith a Keturn shewing the Force in the Canadas, and its distribution. I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's ^ most obedient and
most humble Servant
George Prevost.
The Rt. Honble Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: Montreal. 8 Novr. 1814.
Lieat. General Sir G. Prevost. No. 211. R. 14 Deer. (One Inclosnre.)
[ Q 128-2, p 425 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 200.]
Head Quarters, Kingston, My Lord, Upper Canada, 18th Octr. 1814.
The American Government having availed itself of the Naval ascendancy it possessed on Lake Ontario find on Lake Erie to bring from Sackett's Harbour and Detroit on board its vessels con- siderable Reinforcements and extensive supplies to M. General Brown's Army occupying Buffaloe and Fort Erie, Lieut General Drummond's situation with scanty resources for the support of a force reduced by sickness and contests, was becoming daily more critical.
The state of the Roads from hence to York, being represented as impracticable for the movement of any considerable number of
€06
COLONIAL OKFICE RECORDS.
men, or any adequate quantity of provisions I had nothing to hope for the Lieut General's relief but from the exertions of Sir Jamea Yeo.
On the 12th Inst a reoonnoissanoe pushed into the neighbourhood of Saokett's Harbour returned with Intelligence that Commodore Ohaunoey's ships were anchored under the Batteries, indicating a disposition on his part, to await there, the result of the superiority we had just obtained, and in the event of an attack, to co-operate in the defence of the place.
In consequence Sir James Yeo with diflSculty consented to receive on board his vessels,* a wing of the 90th Eegt. in addition to a small proportion of Ordnance, Ordnance Stores and Provisions and sailed from hence for Niagara on the 16th Inst leaving with me the assurance that he would return as soon as possible with as many of the sick and disabled of the Right Division as were in a situa- tion to be removed, and convey another and much more ample supply of Provisions, Stores and Men, previous to the closing of the Navigation. ,
1 have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obedient and
most humble Servant
George Prevost.
To The Right Honble Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: Kingston, 18 Octr. 1814.
Lt. Genl. Sir Q. Prevost. No. 200.
B. 2 Deer.
[ Q 128-2, p 316 ]
* Gans.
St. Lawrence... _.
Prince Regent
Princess Charlotte
Montreal
Niagara..
Charwell
Star
Magnet
Netty (bnrnt to avoid capture)
110
58 42 23 21
14 ^
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL. BATHURST.
607
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 201.]
My Lord,
Head Quarters, Kingston, Upper Canada, 23d Oct. 1814.
From that officer* Your Lordship may receive correct information respecting these Provinces and the resources I have been obliged to resort to in sending reinforcements and supplies to Mackinac and to our late conquest on the Mississippi.
I have the honor to be
My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obedient and
most humble Servant
George Prevost.
To The Rt. Hon. Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: Kingston, 23d Octr. 1814.
Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 201.
R. 2d Deer,
[ Q 128-2, p 321 ]
Major General Kempt.
608
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
INVENTORY AND VALUATION OF THE SCORPION AND TIGRESS.
Inventory and Valuation of the Schooners Scorpion and Tigress, with their Tackling, Gans, &c., captured on Lake Huron on the 8rd and 6th September, 1814, by a Detachment of the Royal Navy and a Detachment of the Royal Newfoundland Regt. under Lieut. Bulger, the whole under the command of Lieut. Worsley of the Royal Navy.
2 Schooners, with their sails, Running & Standing Rigging valued at £1,000 each by a Board ordered to assemble for that purpose by Lieut. Col. McDonall
2 Long 24 Pr. with Carriages, Tackles, &c. complete _
1 Long 24 Pr. with Carriage, Tackle, &c. complete _
1 Anchor 12. 3. 4.
1 do 8. 2. 19. 1 do 12. 0. 6. ^
1 do 8. - -J 1 Cable 9 inch.
1 do IVi "
do 92i '*
do 7 "
do 7 "
do 91/2 "
I- cwt. qr. lbs. 41-2—11 at £12 lOs p. cwt.
1 Hauser, 103 fms. Zhi cwt. at £12 lOs pr. cwt. 1 Grapnel of 58 lbs. & 3 Fathoms of Chain
12-32 Pr. Round Shot, 3- 1-20 857—24 Pr. Round Shot, 76— 2— 0
60s pr. cwt. do do do do do do do do
808 p'. cwt..
104 do Case @ 5— 2—11 @
87 do Grape @ 3- 2—20 @ 49 18 Pr. Round Shot, 7— 3—14 @ 3 do Case @ 0— 1—28 @
750 12 Pr. Round Shot, 80- 1-12 @ 41 do Case @ 4— 2—22 @
24 do Grape 2— 3— 8 @
701-9 Prs. Round 8hot,@56— 1— 9 @
417-3 Prs. Round Shot, 11— 19 @ " " ...
200 Vi Pr. Shot, 0— 3—16 @ " " ...
41 Case Shot 5 '/a In. Howtz. 4-0- 3 @ " " ... 85-10 Inch Shells, 58—2— 0 @ Is p. lb. .
25- 8 Inch do 10-0- 5 @ Is p. lb. .
118— 5 '/a Inch do 15-0-28 @ 1 " " .
21260— Musket Ball Cartridges @ id ea. ...
500 Flints @ 30s p m.
14 Pouches & Belts @ 128 6d ea.
13 Powder Horns @ 2s 6d ea.
|
£ |
s |
d |
|
8,000 |
||
|
3,000 |
||
|
1,000 |
- |
- |
|
519 |
19 |
6H |
|
250 |
— |
— |
|
250 |
— |
— |
|
250 |
— |
— |
|
31 |
5 |
|
|
5 10 |
5 |
8^/4 |
|
229 |
10 |
|
|
16 |
15 |
lOH |
|
11 |
0 |
8H |
|
23 |
12 |
8 |
|
1 |
18 |
11 |
|
241 |
1 |
5 |
|
14 |
1 |
9Ji |
|
8 |
9 |
8i4 |
|
168 |
19 |
9M |
|
83 |
10 |
2 |
|
2 |
13 |
m |
|
12 |
1 |
|
|
327 |
12 |
|
|
56 |
5 |
|
|
85 |
3 |
|
|
354 |
8 |
8 |
|
15 |
||
|
8 |
15 |
|
|
1 |
12 |
6- |
INVENTORY AND VALUATION. INVENTORY AND VALUATION, KFC— Concluded.
609
|
131 |
5 |
|||
|
50 |
lbs. of Loose Powder @ — |
18 |
15 |
|
|
58 |
304 |
15 |
||
|
l\ |
IVTnsnnof'.n nrif'.HoTif. — 10 An |
60 |
10 |
- |
|
47 |
r^nf.lnASAa 7q An |
17 |
12 |
6 |
|
57 2 |
T^onrHin^p T^iItaiq (a)/ An |
34 |
4 |
- |
|
Arm OrGsts @ 40s sa |
4 |
~ |
- |
|
|
4 |
4 |
- |
- |
|
|
100 |
Ihn nf MnnnnAt. T^aIIh (S) 1a rt Ih |
7 |
10 |
- |
|
40 |
Figs of Lead 17 — 2 @ Is 2(2 — |
114 |
6 |
8 |
|
25 |
Yards of Canvass @7s6dp. yd |
9 |
7 |
6 |
|
200 |
Empty Flannel Cartgs. 3 pr. @ 9d ea |
7 |
10 |
|
|
150 |
Empty Flannel Cartridges, In. How. @ 9d ea |
la |
a O |
|
|
104 |
24 Pr. Cartridges filled, @ 54s ea. |
280 |
16 |
|
|
28 |
12 Pr. do do @ 31s |
35 |
13 |
|
|
155 |
3 Pr. Cartridges filled, @ 8s Sd |
63 |
18 |
9 |
|
£18,014 |
0 |
We hereby certify that the two Schooners and Naval Stores above mentioned, taking into consideration the Expence, difficulty of Trans- port in this country, and the great price that would be paid for these articles at Quebec or Montreal, are in our opinion worth the sum estimated.
Dated at Kingston, U. C, 31st Octr. 1814.
Edward Laws,
Naval Storekeeper. ] MiCHL. Spratt,
Mastr. Attendg.
We the subscribers certify that, in compliance with a Garrison order to us directed for that purpose by Lieut. Col. McDonall, commanding the Post of Michilimackinac, we did go on board the Schooners Scorpion and Tigress, lately captured from the Enemy by a Detachment of Sea- men of the Royal Navy, and of officers and soldiers of the Royal New- foundland Regiment under the command of Lieut. Worsley of the said Royal Navy, and that we found on board the said vessels all the arti- cles contained in the foregoing Inventory and that the valuation affixed to each according to the best information we could obtain is fair and just and that to the best of our Judgment they could not be purchased and Transported to Michilimackinac at lower prices.
610
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
We are constrained to decline giving any opinion as to the value of the Three guns in the foregoing Inventory having at present no data to direct us in an Estimate of such Bulky Articles at so remote a Post as Michilimackinac, they are accordingly left blank to be filled up by more competent Judges.
L. Crawford, Henry Forrest, J. B. Berthelot, J. Franks.
I certify having accompanied the foregoing gentlemen on the above Survey in conformity with an order from Lieut. Col. McDonall to that effect, and that having examined the Vessels referred to in the fore- going report, I found the Dimensions to be The Scorpion 68^ feet upon Deck,
18J extreme breadth of Beam, 5i Depth of Hold. The Tigress 60| Feet upon Deck, 17| Breadth of Beam, 5i Depth of Hold. And that to the best of my judgment the valuation affixed to them in the foregoing estimate as well as the other articles therein contained are fair and just.
Joseph Bizeau,
Master Carpenter.
Endorsed:
In Sir G. Prevost's No. 220. 4th Deer. 1814.
[ Q 128-2, p 506 ]
sir GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 212.]
Head Quarters, Montreal, 10th November 1814.
My Lord,
I have the satisfaction of transmitting to Your Lordship the enclosed copy of Lieut. Colonel MoDonall's official Report,* (which I have just received from Lieut. General Drummond) representing the fortunate result of an attack upon a strong body of the Enemy, by a force of ludians, and a few Europeans, in an attempt to recover their ascendancy over that extensive Country by a re-ocou- pation of Fort McKay at the Prairie des Chiens upon the Mississippi.
*For report see page 600.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
611
Our Indian Allies in that quarter will necessarily acquire much confidence by these successes, which may in a great measure be attributed to Lieut Colonel MoDonall's judicious arrangements for the attack and capture of Prairie des Chiens.
I cannot fail in expressing to Your Lordship my approbation of the bravery and good conduct displayed upon this occasion by Captain Anderson of the Michigan Fencibles, Lieut. Graham of the Indian Department and of Sergeant Keating of the Royal artillery — the latter I have appointed a Lieut of Militia and placed him in command of a detachment of Militia artillery at Port McKay. I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obedient and
most humble Servant
George Prevost.
To The Right Honorable Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: Montreal, 10 Novr. 1814.
Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 212. R. 2l8t Deer. One Inclosure.
[ Q 128-2, p 428 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 213.]
Head Quarters, Montreal, 16th November 1814.
My Lord,
I have much satisfaction in communicating to Your Lordship the result of the exertions made for re-inforcing the Right Division.
Lieutenant General Drummond has reported to me that the Enemy evacuated fort Erie on the 5th Inst after blowing up the works and destroying the place.
Our Fleet arrived off Niagara on the 2nd. The Troops and sup- plies were disembarked as expeditiously as possible but before^the first could be brought in contact with the Enemy the American Army retired to its own Shore and is now I am informed seeking winter quarters at Buffaloe, Batavia, and the nine mile Creek.
A concerted expedition from Detroit consisting of 1000 Kentuck- ians, mostly mounted, under General Mc Arthur had passed the Moravian Village on the 2d Inst, directing their course [on Burlington.
612
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
On the first intimation of this oironmstanoe our Indian Allies displayed an ardent desire to be allowed to move against them;— Their good disposition was promptly seized and they have advanced to meet the Enemy supported by the 103d Kegiment and some Militia. Lieutenant General Drummond has ordered Major General DeWatteville with two Field pieces, a detachment of the 19th Light Dragoons and the 37th Regiment, to hasten forward in th& same direction.
I have the honor to be t My Lord
Your Lordship's,
' most obedient
humble Servant
Geokge Prevost,.
The Right Honorable The Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c. [ Q 128-2, p 484 ]
SIR GORDON DRUMMOND TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 20.]
District Head Quarters, Kingston, Upper Canada, 20 November 1814.
My Lord,
The sole command which the enemy has had of Lake Erie the last year, has enabled him to keep possession of Amherstburg and to control that part of the country dependent upon it, and to make incursions with his mounted Riflemen into the London District: in one of which, with about eight hundred men of that description under General McArthur, in the beginning of November, he destroyed all the mills in that district except two, where there was nothing but the Inhabitants to oppose him. I trust however, from the measures^ lately adopted, of constructing works at Long Point, and
H. R. LUSHINGTON TO GENERAL BUNBURY.
613
sending a detachment of troops there, (which I was not before able to do,) that not only a recurrence of such incursions will be effect- ually prevented, but the dominion over the Western District will in the course of the ensuing summer be wrested from him, as well as that of the Upper Lake.
I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
Most obedient humble Servant
Gordon Drummond,
B. Genl. & President.
The Rt. Honble Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c. [ Q 318-1, p 149 ]
h. r. lushington to gen. bunbury.
Sir,
I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury to transmit to you a Letter from Sir Geo. Prevost dated Montreal 3rd October last with one from Sir John Johnson Bt. Superintendant General of the Indian Department, covering a memo- rial from Sarah Elliott widow of Matthew Elliott, Esqr. late Deputy Superintendant of Indian Affairs in Upper Canada, praying relief; and I am to desire you will move Lord Bathurst to acquaint my Lords whether the application has his Lordship's sanction, and if so, to what amount.
I am Sir
Your most obedt. Servt.
H. R. LUSHINGTON.
Treasury Chambers, 2nd December 1814. Genl. Bunbury.
[ Q 318-2, p 527 ]
614 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS. i
SIR GEOEGE PEEVOST TO EARL BATHUEST. I
[No. 220. ]
Head Quarters, Monteeal, 4th December 1814.
My Loed,
I had the honor of informing Your Lordship in my Dispatch No • 198 of 7th Octr. last of the capture of two of the Enemy's Schooners the Scorpion and Tigress, on Lake Huron by a Detach- ' ment of Troops & a party of Seamen, from Michilimackinac under , the command of Lieutenant Bulger of the Eoyal Newfoundland j Fencibles. j
I have now the honor to transmit to Your Lordship an Inventory and Valuation* of These Schooners and their appurtenances amount- ; ing to the sum of sixteen thousand and Fourteen pounds and eleven pence farthing which with reference to the commands conveyed to ■ me in Your Lordship's Dispatch No. 50 of 31st Octr 1813, I beg j leave to submit for the decision of His Koyal Highness The Prince I Regent and I humbly recommend that I may be furnished with i authority for the issue of the Prize Money in this Country to those \ entitled to share in this capture, the Schooners having been taken j into the service of Government, and their appurtenances applied to i public purposes. !
The Detachment actually engaged in the capture consisted of
3 Subalterns 1 i
4 Serjeants & ^Royal Newfoundland Fencibles.
50 Rank & File, J
1 Lieut and ] , ^.t '
^„ ^ h Royal JNavy.
17 Seamen, ^ j j
with a few Indians, the whole under the command of Lieut Worsley of the Royal Navy.
As the expedition employed in the execution of this service par- ; took more of a military than Naval capture and it being prepared under the orders of Lieut Col. McDonall Commanding at Michili- ! mackinao I have considered that officer and the whole of that Garrison under his orders as possessing a just claim to a proper- \ tion of this Booty and as Commodore Sir James Yeo has concurred i with me in this opinion, I request that the Garrison of Michili- i mackinac, as well as the parties actually present at the capture may ^
* For Inventory and Valuation see page 608.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST. 615 •
participate according to their relative Eanks in the Prize money arising from the two American Schooners. I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obedient and
most Humble Servant
Geokge Prevost.
The Eight Honble Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: Head Qnarters, Montreal, 4th Deer. 1814. Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 220. R. 25 Feby. (One inclosure.)
[ Q 128-2, p 503 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 223.]
Headquarters, Quebec, 20th December 1814
My Lord,
It is with some satisfaction I have occasion to report to Your Lordship, that since I had the honor of closing my dispatch at ' , Montreal No 218 of the 2Qd Inst. I have ascertained that the excesses committed by the mounted Kentuckians from Detroit in the late incursion to the Grand River have been much exaggerated.
The private property wrested from individuals consisted chiefly of cattle for the maintenance of the Americans on their route and some Horses. \ '.
Several mills however in the neighbourhood of Long Point which afforded Flour to our Magazines were entirely destroyed. I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obedient
Humble Servant
George Prevost.
To the Right Honble Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed as above.
Lt. Genl. Sir G. Prevost. No. 223. R. 25 Feby.
[ Q 128-2, p 515 ]
616 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHUHST.
[No. 221.]
Head Quarters, Quebec, 15th January 1815.
My Lord,
Since I had the honor of addressing our Lordship on the 20th Ulto the Enemy's main attention has been directed to the preserva- tion of the Flotilla on Lake Champlain; on the appearance of win- ter it left Plattsburg Bay «fe pro^jeeded to Whitehall, a remote estab- lishment at the extremity of the Lake; it is about one hundred and Thirty miles from the Province Line, and Sixty from Albany. The precautions taken by the American Government against any enter- prize for the destruction of these Vessels, have become so numer- ous, and so notorious, added to the natural great obstacles of the climate & the country, that it has not been in my power to indulge my desire of attempting a project against them, with any reasona- ble hope of success.
I have received information of the arrival at Sackett's Harbour of 500 shipwrights, for the purpose of building three ships of the Line. That such Vessels may be run up most expeditiously as pos- sible, but it is scarcely probable that the present resources of the Government of the United States, will enable it to arm, man and equip them in time to contend for the naval ascendancy on Lake Ontario, at the opening of the campaign. From Secret agents I have Intelligence of several heavy anchors and cables, and about forty long Guns, having been brought by Hudson's River to Albany, from whence they are to be sent by the Mohawk River to the Oneida Lake & from thence to Oswego.
In order to preserve our Naval Superiority on Lake Ontario Sir James Yeo is proceeding rapidly in the construction of another ship of the Line; he has already put together and launched on the 25th Ulto the Frigate (Psyche) which had been conveyed to Kingston in pieces this vessel has undergone such alterations as will enable her to carry Fifty Six Guns.
I have the honor to transmit herewith the Commodore's sugges- tions relating to the Naval Force for Lake Champlain, with my reply thereto for Your Lordship's consideration.
The reports I have received from Penetanguishene continue to encourage hopes of our obtaining in the Spring the ascendancy on Lake Huron: The most serious obstacle to this Establishment, is the extreme diflBculty with which Provisions are to be procured and afterwards conveyed to it.
ANTHONY ST. JOHN BAKER TO SIR GEO. PREVOST. 6i7
The Transport of Supplies of every description for the Army and Navy in Upper Canada is going on with so much vigour as to lead me to believe the means for carrying on a particular service may be collected at Kingston by the month of April, provided the winter roads last 'til then and the Naval demand for transport does not become excessive.
I have the honor to be My Lord Your Lordship's most obedient and most humble Servant
G'EORGE PrEVOST
To The Right Honorable Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c.
[ Q 131, p 2 ] ^
ANTHONY ST. JOHN BA.KER TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST.
Washington, 7th March 1815.
Sir,
In an interview to-day with the American Secretary |oi State he acquainted me that it was the intention of this Government imme- diately to send directions to General Brown who commands on the Niagara Frontier to make arrangements with Your Excellency for the mutual restoration of places in Upper Canada captured by either party during the war, in pursuance of the stipulations of the Treaty of Peace.
I have thought it right to communicate the course intended to be taken by the American Government to Your Excellency to whom I had the honor of transmitting by the Messenger Raye and in duplicate through the commanding officer at Port Niagara intelli- gence of the exchange of the Ratifications on the 17th Ultimo, and a copy of the Treaty of Peace signed at Ghent. I take the liberty of requesting Your Excellency will do me the honor to acquaint me with the period at which the restitution takes place and with any circumstances attending it which you may think it necessary that I should be informed of.
I have the honor to be &o. &c. &c.
Anthony St. John Baker. To His Excelle'ncy The Comma ader of H. M. Forces in Canada.
Endorsed: 2.
In Sir G. Dratnmond's 6th April 1815.
[ Q 132, p 6 J 78
618
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
JAMES MONKOE, SEO'y TO BBIG. GEN. DUNCAN MC AETHUR.
Sir, Department of War, March 11th, 1815.
I had the honor to enclose you copy of the Treaty of Peace signed on the 24th December at Ghent, by the Commissioners on the part of the United States and Great Britain. The first article of this Treaty stipulates, that "all Territories, Places, and Posses- sions whatsoever taken from either party by the other during the war, or which may be taken after the signing of the Treaty, except only the Islands hereinafter mentioned shall be restored without delay, & without causing any destruction, or carrying away any of the artillery, or other Public Property originally captured in the said Forts or Places, & which shall remain therein upon the exchange of the Katifications of this Treaty or any Slaves or other Private Property, & all the Archives, Eecords, deeds & Papers either of a Public Nature, or belonging to Private Persons, which in the course of the war may have fallen into the hands of the officers of either Party, shall be, as far as may be practicable forth- with restored and delivered to the proper authorities & persons to whom they respectively belong."
You are charged with the execution of these stipulations on the part of the United States, as far as they may respect Your Mili- tary district, of which you will advise the officer Comg. His Brit- annic Majesty's Forces in Upper Canada, and you will appoint such officers as you may confide in, to receive, & deliver up, simultaneously all such Forts & Places as are stipulated by the Treaty to be delivered up by either Party & also receive & make all other necessary arrangements respecting the Slaves & other Pri- vate Property, as well as Deeds, Papers, Records, &c which are to be mutually restored. I have &c
James Monroe.
Brigr. General Duncan McArthur, Commanding 8th Military District. [ Q 132, p 114 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHUR8T.
[No. 233.]
Head Quarters, Quebec, 13th March 1815:
My Lord,
I had yesterday the honor to receive Your Lordship's dispatch of the 27th December last, enclosing the copy of a Treaty of Peace signed at Ghent on the 24th of that month, by His Majesty's
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO EARL BATHURST.
619
Commissioners of the UDited States of America; and at the same time Your Lordship's separate dispatch of the 27th Deoemr. reached me.
I have now the honor to acquaint Your Lordship, that on the 1st Instant I received from Mr. Baker an oflScial notification that the Ratifications of the Treaty of Peace between Great Britain and the United States of America had been exchanged at Washington of the 17th of February, and transmitting to me in obedience to the instructions of His Majesty's Government a copy of the Treaty.
I lost no time therefore in promulgating throughout the Provinces under my command that a Treaty of Peace had been ratified, and in causing an immediate cessation of Hostilities.
In communicating this intelligence to Lieut Genl Drummond commanding in Upper Canada, I did not fail in calling his atten- tion to the two articles of the Treaty which relate to the Indians, in order that every precaution might be used to prevent any cause of reproach or complaint from them against His Majesty's Govern- ment, and I furnished that officer with the speech of which the enclosed is a copy, to be delivered to the several Nations or Tribes in announcing to them the conclusion of the war with the United States ;
The Lieut. General has been instructed to select a deputation to consist of such officers of the Regular Army, Staff or Indian Department as he might think necessary for the purpose, who were to proceed without delay and to convene meetings of the Indians for the delivery of the Speech at the following places, vizt
Burlington Heights Saguina Bay Michilimackinac Green Bay Prairie des Chiens ^
As it will be a considerable time before the Indians can have Traders among them with goods, I have directed that the Presents for the present year should be distributed to them with a liberal hand; and until the Trade is restored which will afford them those necessaries essential to their subsistence.
In regard to any Treaty of Peace, which it may be expedient to enter into with Indian Nations or Tribes which have been act- ing with the Enemy, for I am not aware of our being at war,
620
COLONIAL OFFICE R^^CORDS.
with any distinct Nation of Indians, the Instructions contained in Your Lordship's despatches of the 27th Decemr. shall be strictly attended to.
I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obedient
humble Servant George Peevost,
Commander Forces.
To The Eight Honble Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. <fec. [ Q 131, p 75 ]
SPEECH TO THE INDIANS UPON RATIFICATION OF PEACE.
The good Spirit has moved the heart of our Great Father beyond the Great Lake to give Peace to the Indians.
The last of his Enemies with whom he had to contend were the Big Knives — with them he has also made Peace.
This event of so much importance to you and to all my children & warriors, on this side of the waters. I hasten to communicate to you in order that you may bury the Hatchet, as I have ordered my warriors to do — return to Your Lands and there remain in Peace — for our Great Father has not only made Peace for his white children, he has also thought of you, as had been promised you.
Rivers of blood have been shed in the late war — All parties grow tired of it — it has therefore been agreed that it should cease, and that everything should be put on the same footing as before the war.
This condition my children, will be understood by you all — it means that you are to return to your Lands, plant your corn and hunt the Deer, Traders will bring you your supplies as formerly — and I shall take special care that the presents sent to the Frontier Posts, shall not be diminished, whenever the Roads shall be opened forjthat purpose.
My children I hope you will keep in mind that this Peace is to last forever, with the Big Knives, if it is broken it must be by their fault, for the Heart of Your Father is spotless. Keep your selves quiet therefore, and as you have all bravely combated under
LIEUT. COLi. HARVEY TO LIEUT. COL. McDONALL. 621
the same banner, I earnestly as your Father, who highly prizes the welfare of his children desire that you will bury deep in the earth, all private quarrels & animosities, that may have subsisted among your respective Tribes, before the war.
My Children! Live in peace and may the Great Spirit give you long life.
March 1815.
Reed. April 29.
[Q 131, p 78 ]
LT. COL. J. HARVEY TO LT. COL. R. MAO DONALL.
Kingston, 28th March 1815,
Sir,
With a view to take from the American Government all pretence of complaint of delay in the fulfillment of the articles of the 'late Treaty relative to the restitution of all Forts & Military Posts cap- tured on either side during the war, Lt. Genl. Sir Gordon Drummond has directed me to desire that you will immediately proceed to concert with the naval officer at present acting with you to select a proper situation within our own Territory for a new Post. Cap- tain Payne of the Koyal Engineers has been ordered to proceed to Mackina, to assist you with his professional opinion, and so soon as you shall have agreed upon a site, temporary Barracks & Store houses sufficient for the Troops, & Stores at Mackinac are forthwith to be constructed. Captain Payne will take with him a proportion of artificers to assist in these works, & when completed the whole of the Garrison of Mackinac, the Guns, (except such as may have been captured in the Place, & which are to be restored with it) & the public stores of every description are to be removed to the new Post & the Fort & Island of Michilimackinac delivered over to any officer of the American Government appointed to receive charge thereof, but as the principal object in the establishment of the New Post, is to afford protection to our Vessels on Lake Huron, or which may hereafter be built on that Lake, in the event of another war, the Lieut General expressly prohibits the commencement of any Fortifications, or other defensive works, until the situation which may be selected by you, shall have been approved by the Commodore & Commander in Chief of the Naval Establishment in the Canadas,
622
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
or by some competent officer duly authorized by him for that pur- pose. In the mean time you will of course consult the naval officer at present acting with you, on the Naval advantages of the site, which you may propose to occupy, & in the selection of which the Lt General very much depends on your Judgment, & on the Informa- tion which you will be enabled to gain on the spot.
In carrying into effect the reduction of Zour Garrison to the Peace establishment Lt. General Drummond recommends to you to send down the men of the Royal Newfoundland Regt, by the Grand Eiver to Montreal, retaining only the Detachment of the Royal Artillery & the Company of the 81st Regiment you will perceive from the accompanying copies of General, and District General orders that Twenty days Extra pay (& in some instances thirty) may be given to provincial Troops on their reduction you will use your discretion on this head.
With regard to Prairie des Chiens, Lt General Drummond desires that no time may be lost in getting rid of all Provincial Establish- Dftents at that Post & in giving it up to the American Government. You will at the same time explain the causes which make it impos- sible for you to evacuate Mackinac until cover has been prepared for the Garrison & Stores.
I have &c
J. Harvey,
Lt. Col. D. M. G.
Lieut. Colonel MacDonall, Comg. at Mackina.
Endorsed :
In Sir G. Draiumond'8 6 April 1815.
[ Q 132, p 7 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO SIR GORDON DRUMMOND.
Head Quarters, Quebec, Slst March 1815
Sir,
I have the honor to transfer enclosed for your information and guidance a letter I have this day received from Mr, Baker at Washington respecting the mutual restoration of the Places in LTpper Canada captured by either party during the war, agreeably to the Treaty of Peace.
With regard to the restoration of the Island of Michilimackinac to the United States I am disposed to think as much procrastina-
SIR GORDON DRUMMOND TO EARL BATHURST. 623
tion should be resorted to as may admit of your receiving the specific commands of His Majesty's Government on that subject. I have the honour to be
&c. &c. &o.
George Prevost.
Lt. Genl. Sir Gordon Drummond, &ca. &ca. &ca.
Endorsed: 1.
In Sir G. Drummond's 6th April 1815.
' [ Q 132, p 5 ]
SIR GORDON DRUMMOND TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 2.]
Head Quarters, Quebec, April 6th, 1815.
My Lord,
I have the honor to transmit the copy of a Letter from His Excellency Sir George Prevost, transfering one addressed to him by Mr. Baker, at Washington, respecting the mutual restoration of places captured during the war.
With regard to the Post of Michilimackinao I had anticipated the wishes of His Excellency in a letter of Instruction which I directed to be sent to the pfficer in command there, immediately on its having been notified to me by His Excellency, that a Treaty of Peace has been duly certified on both sides.
A copy of this Letter I have likewise the honor to transmit, as well as of that, which on the receipt of Mr. Baker's I caused to be sent to Lieutenant General Sir George Murray commanding in Upper Canada both which will I hope obtain Your Lordship's approbation, and be found to meet the views of His Majesty's ^ Government.
I have the honor to be
My Lord Your Lordship's most obedient
humble Servant ' Gordon Drummond.
Right Honble Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: Quebec, 6th April 1815. Lt, Genl. Sir G. Drummond. R. 9 June. (4 Inclosuree.)
[ Q 132, p 4 ]
624
4
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
LT. COL. JOHN HAKVEY TO SIR GEORGE MURRAY.
Sir, Head Quarters, Quebec, 6th April 1815.
By direction of Lieutenant General Sir Gordon Drumraond I have the honor to transmit copies of letters from Mr. Baker our charge d'affaires at Washington & his Excellency Sir George Prevost, rela- tive to the mutual restoration of places captured during the war, & the Lieut General desires that the Fort of Niagara may accordingly be restored to such officer of the American Government, as may be appointed to receive it, and that you will be pleased to intimate to the General officer commanding the United States Troops on the Niagara Frontier or at Sackett's Harbour, your readiness to fulfill the terms of the Treaty with regard to this Post. Copy of the Treaty is herewith enclosed for your further Guidance.
With regard to the Post of Michilimackinao you will perceive from the enclosures that orders have already been sent to the officer in command at that Place & in your correspondence with Major General Brown on this subject, you will be pleased in assuring that officer for the Information of the Government of the anxious wish of His Excellency the Lieut General commanding in these Provinces, scrupulously to fulfill all the conditions of the Treaty as far as they depend on him, to represent at the same time, the absolute necessity which exists for our retaining Mackina, untill cover has been prepared within our own Territory, for the reception of His Majesty's Troops and Stores in that quarter.
The Fort of Prairie des Chiens Lieut Colonel MacDonall is directed immediately to evacuate & restore.
I have &c. J. Harvey,
Lt. Col. D. M. G.
P. S. In the event of your finding it impracticable or inconven- ient at present to fulfill your intention of visiting the Detroit Frontier, Sir Gordon Drummond requests you will be pleased to direct Captain Payne to lose no time in proceeding to execute the Instructions which he has received, & to which you are requested to make such additions as you may consider to be requisite.
Copy of Commodore Sir E. Owen's Answer to my Letter of the 27th Ultimo is enclosed.
J. H.,
Lt. General Sir George Murray, K. B., &c. &c &c. D. M. G.
Endorsed: 4.
In Sir G. Drammond's 6 April 181.').
[ Q 132, p 10 I
Map of the Straits of St. Mary's and Michilimackinac.
SIR GORDON DRUMMOND TO EARL. BATHURST.
626
[No. 5.] SIR GORDON DRUMMOND TO EARL BATHURST.
My Lord, Head Quarters, Quebec, 25th April 1815.
I have the honor to transmit for Your Lordship's information sundry communications on the subject of the restitution of the Island of Michilimackinac on Lake Huron in Upper Canada to the American Government.
On my arrival here on the 3d instant I found a letter from His Excellency Sir George Prevost, transferring to me, a communication from Mr. Baker* at Washington respecting the restoration of Places captured from America, by the Troops in this command; His Excel- lency at the same time recommending that as much proper pro- crastination should be resorted to with regard to the restitution of Michilimackinac as might admit of my receiving the specific com- mands of His Majesty's Government on the Subject.
I have in consequence instructed Lieut Colonel McDonall com- manding at that place to protract his decision upon the eligibility of a scite, for the new intended Post, and to delay the erection of cover for his men, and the construction of Store Houses for his Provisions &c. until I received Your Lordship's Instructions on a subject I consider of such importance, as earnestly to request Your Lordship's attention to it & earliest possible Commands. I beg leave to observe to Your Lordship, that I have considered it prudent to prevent the establishment of any Custom House officer, on the Island, so long as Michilimackinac continues to be occupied by a British Force.
I have the Honor to enclose a sketch of that part of Lake Huron which particularly points out the Islands of Michilimackinac & St Joseph's, and that part of the navigation termed the detour between the westernmost end of the Manitoulin Islands and Point du Tour in the passage to St Mary's which will probably afford Your Lord- ship a clearer view of the relative situations of those places, than can be obtained from the accompanying papers alone. I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's most obedient humble Servant
Gordon Drummond, Lieut. General CommEinding. To The Right Honble Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed; Quebec, 25 April 1815.
Lt. Genl. Sir G. Drummond. No. 5. R. 23 June.
[ Q 182, p 18 ]
* Published in Vol, 16. page 58. 79
626 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
LT. COL. JOHN HARVEY TO LT. COL. R. MC DONALL.
Sir, Head Quarters, Quebec, 4th May 1815.
ReferriDg to orders which you have already received relative to the selection of a proper scite for the new Post, I am directed to suggest that the West En'd of Manatoulin Island opposite to the Detour appears in every respect an eligible Situation, as it proposes an excellent Harbour (an object of the very first importance) and although the Island of Maunatou is represented as deficient in soil, yet it is to be hoped on exploring the interior, that objection may not be found to exist to as great a degree as is at present imagined.
I am to apprize you that Capt Collier Koyal Navy is accompany- ing Capt Payne to Mackina, the selection of this officer is very agreeable to Sir Gordon Drummond who is well acquainted with his merit, and is convinced that you will find great assistance from him.
The American Government having made a strong representation on the subject of the restitution of Mackina and proposed that it should take place simultaneously with that of Maiden, I am, to com- municate His Excellency Sir Gordon Drummond 's directions that as soon as the scite for the New Post is determined upon, every pos- sible exertion may be lised in compleating the arrangements for the Evacuation of the Island & Post of Michilimackinac.
You will apprize the officer commanding the 8th military District at Detroit, when you are ready to deliver it over. I have the honor to be Sir
Your obedient & humble Servant
J. Harvey, Lt. Col. Dy. Adj. Genl.
To Lieut. Col. McDonall, &c. &c. &c., Mackina. [ Q 132, p 107 ]
SIR GORDON DRUMMOND TO A. ST. JOHN BAKER.
Sir, Head Quarters, Quebec, 4 May 1815.
Herewith I have the Honor to transmit copies of letters which have been received from the officer commanding in Upper Canada respecting the simultaneous restitution of the Posts of Michilimack- inac and Maiden; referring to my former communications on this subject, I have particularly to request that you will not fail to
SIR GORDON DRUMMOND TO EARL BATHURST.
627
impress upon the American Government, the justice of directing the Evacuation of Maiden on the restitution of Fort Niagara & Prairie des Ohiens.
Lieut Coll. McDonall has received directions to use encreased exertions in completing the arrangements for the Evacuation of Michilimackinac.
What makes me particularly anxious for the evacuation of the Detroit frontier is the State of our Relations with the Indians, the impossibility of preventing their Return to their own country, and the necessity of our making our Issues of Provisions & Presents to them on that Frontier. In fact I am not without serious appre- hensions as to the consequences of their finding the Americans still on our side the Strait, as it cannot be concluded that they (the Indians) are as yet by no means reconciled to the conditions of the late Treaty.
Finding that the officer commanding in Upper Canada has taken on himself to suspend the execution of my former orders for the Restitution of Fort Niagara, in consequence of the inclosed com- munication from Mr. Monroe, Col. Butler &c I have lost no time in reporting my Instructions for the immediate restoration of that Post, which I trust will afford a convincing proof to the American Government of my determination scrupulously and without delay to fulfill all the conditions of the Treaty as far as they depend on me. I have the honor to be . . Sir
Your obedient &
humble Servant
Gordon Drummond,
Lieut. General.
To A. St. John Baker, Esqr., &c. &c. <fec., Washington. [ Q 132, p 109 ]
SIR GORDON DRUMMOND TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 15.]
Head Quarters, Quebec, 20th May 1815.
My Lord,
Referring Your Lordship to my Letter No 5 of the 25th Ulto. stating that I directed as much Procrastination as possible to be used in the restitution of the important Post of Michilimackinac,
628
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
in oonsequeDoe of a communication I had received recommendatory of that measure from His Excellency Sir George Prevost.
I embrace the earliest opportunity of transmitting to Your Lord- ship copies of sundry subsequent communications which have passed on the same subject, whereby Your Lordship will perceive that the American Government have issued instructions to the officer com- manding the eight Military District at Detroit, not to give up the Post of Maiden, in the western District of the Upper Province, until a simultaneous restitution shall be made of the Post of Miohilimackinac to them.
Apprehensive that delay in the evacuation of that Island, might afford grounds of complaint on the part of the American Govern- ment, and excite feelings unfavourable to the established honour of the British Nation, I instantly addressed the letters of which the enclosed are copies, to Liuet Colonel MacDonall at Miohilimackinac and to Mr. Baker at Washington, in the former giving orders for ^ the immediate removal of the Garrison from thence; and in the latter communicating the instructions I had issued and requesting Mr. Baker to impress the American Government, with the assurance of my determination to fulfill the conditions of the Treaty of Peace; scrupulously and without delay as far as depended on my authority.
I feel now the more particularly gratified with my having adopted this line of conduct, as I have perceived in a late American News- paper, a General Order under date from the Adjutant Generals Office "Washington of the 29th Ultimo, directing the continuance of the Military Force of the United States upon the same establish- ment as it stood at the conclusion of Hostilities.
And considering this measure to be not improbably connected with the extraordinary intelligence recently received from Europe, I have lost no time in calling on Mr. Baker, for every information he can afford, and explanation as to the real cause and intention of such unexpected Proceedings.
The unfortunate loss of His Majesty's Ship Penelope, ia the entrance of the River St Lawrence, about eighteen miles, as reported above Cape Gasp6, ten days since, and the non arrival of the Jan- uary February and March mails, (the two former of which I fear have been thrown overboard, the Packet conveying them having been captured, leaves me without any later accounts from England than those which accompanied my commission to administer the Govern- ment of these Provinces; and adds much to the anxiety, which I must naturally feel in the present uncertain state of affairs.
STATEMENT OF ATTORNILY GENERAL GLEGG,
629
I have sent two Vessels to the relief of the PeDelope's crew but as no Boat has returned, from either with the Dispatches, said to have been on board, I am apprehensive they have been lost in the general wreck.
Seven men in one of her boats were fallen in with, by a Pilot boat who stated that about Forty of the crew had been drowned, but no officers, and that the vessel had gone entirely to pieces.
Several Transports have arrived at Quebec, and in the River, but none of them bring any intelligence except Fome proposed arrange- ments from the Transport Board, to their agent here, as to the embarkation of several Eegiments from this Country.
Should the entire number stated be absolutely required, these Prov- inces will be left too destitute by far, of the protection of Troops, which in my humble opinion, should at all times form its defence. I have the Honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's • most obedient
humble Servant
Gordon Deummond,
Lieut Gen. Commanding.
To The Rt. Honble Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c. [ Q 132, p 104 ]
STATEMENT BY J. B. GLEGG, ATTORNEY GENERAL.
Att. General's Office, Kingston, U. C, 16th June 1815. Having been personally attached to all the Major General's in succession in Upper Canada since the late war commenced with the United States I am able to certify that Captain Givens has been on many occasions most actively and usefully employed with the Indians and his zealous and active services were duly appreciated by Major Genl. Brock at the capture of Detroit and during subsequent operations.
J. B. Glegg, Major,
Atty. Genl. Upper Canada.
[ Q 326, p 23 ]
630
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
SIR GORDON DRUMMOND TO EARL BATHURST.
[ISo 56.j
Quebec, August 15th, 1815.
My Lord,
I have the honor to acquaint Your Lordship, that the Port & Island of Miohilimackinao was restored to the American Govern- ment on the 18th Ulto.
The new Post on Lake Huron having been finally decided upon, not only for its excellent Harbour, but for the convenience of its communication with our Brave allies, the Tribes of Western Indians.
I have given directions for the immediate erection of Barracks & Storehouses, & the construction of a suitable work of Defence on the western extremity of the Manitoulin Island. Accordingly, instead of reestablishing the old Post of the Island of St Josephs, which had been totally destroyed by the Enemy in the course of the last war.
I consider it necessary to apprize your Lordship, that, it will be necessary to place the Post of Amherstburg, which was delivered up to us on the 1st Ultimo, in a suitable state of Defence; — Fort Maiden, at all times insignificant, having been rendered totally use- less as such, during its occupation by the United States Troops; —
I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obedient .
Humble Servant
Gordon Drummond.
Eight Honorable Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c. [ Q 138, p 5 ]
CAPT. JAMES LUCAS YEO TO JUDGE CHARLES MANNERS SUTTON.
Sir, Ibbotson's Hotel, Vere Street, 26th August 1815.
In pursuance of a Letter from the Lords Commissrs. of the Admlty. directing me to preprare charges arising out of the Docu- ments transmitted to their Lordships by me respecting Lieut Gen- eral Sir George Prevost, after having communicated with you upon the subject.
SIR GORDON DRUMlVLOND TO EARL BATHURST.
6B1
I have the honor to enclose you the charges for your approval previously to my sending them to the Lords Commissrs. of the Admiralty. I have studiously confined them to his conduct as it affected His Majesty's Naval Service, deeming it more proper to leave it to the Military branch of His Majesty's Government to add any charge if it shall be thought right respecting Sir George Pre- vost's Eetreat after the recovery of the Squadron became.
" For having on or about the 11th day of September 1814 by " holding out the expectation of a co-operation of the army under " the command of Lieut. General Sir George Prevost induced Oap- " tain Downie, late of His Majesty's Ship Confidence to attack the "American Naval Squadron on Lake Ohamplain when it was highly '* imprudent to make such attack without a co-operation from the "Land forces and for not having afforded that co-operation."
"For not having stormed the Americans works on shore at nearly " the same time that the said Naval action commenced, as he had "given Captain Downie reason to expect.
" For having disregarded the signal for co-operation which had " been previously agreed upon, and which was duly given by Cap- " tain Downie.
" For not having attacked the Enemy on shore either during the "said naval action or after it was — — ■ — — — ended, whereby His "Majesty's Naval Squadron, under the command of Captain Downie "might have been saved or recovered."
I have &c
James Luoas Yeo,
Captain K. N.
The Right Honble Charles Manners Sutton, Judge Advocate General, &c. &c. &c. ♦
Endorsed:
In Mr. Barrow's 9 Septr.
[ Q 134-1, p 39 ]
SIR GORDON DRUMMOND TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 59.]
Quebec, August 27th, 1815.
My Lord,
Since my Letter to Your Lordship of the 15th Instant, I have the honor to acquaint Your Lordship, that I have received a com- munication from Lieut Colo. McDonall, commanding at the new
632
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Post,, on Lake Huron, giving a most favorable Keport of the eligi- bility of the Situation which has been pitched upon for that purpose : —
It combines, he reports, almost every essential requisite, which can be wished for: — The Harbour is excellent and the site of the proposed Town, from its contiguity to the Harbour, admirably well calculated for commercial purposes.
And its situation healthful & pleasant. It had been apprehended, that a scarcity of good soil prevailed in its immediate neighbour- hood but this idea has proved erroneous; and there appears to be abundance of excellent Land in the interior parts of the Island. And there is even reason to hope, and to believe, from what has been recently discovered, that, there will be found an ample supply of Timber for Ship-Building.
The proposed Fort is intended to protect the Harbour and the Town and will with the addition of a small Battery, a few hundred yards from the work, effectually command the passage of the Detour — a circumstance of no small importance in a military point of view, as thereby, as well as from the natural strength of the ground it will be an easy matter for an enemy to approach it.
Were it not, that, Michilimackinac is the Key to the Country of the Western Indians, and those inhabiting the borders of the Mis- sissippi, and that, its possession carries with it, the supreme control over all the Nations, little is to be regretted by the loss of Mich- ilimackinac.
This Island, however, on which the new Post has been established, and now called Drummond's Island, is the property of the Indians, and must necessarily be purchased from them with the usual form and ceremony. The amount of the purchase is generally paid in goods of British Manufacture; a Requisition for which, I will have the honor of transmitting to Your Lordship, as soon as a reason- able valuation shall be fixed on by the Commissioners, I shall nominate for the arrangement of the Purchase.—
I am concerned to acquaint Your Lordship, that, there appears a strong indication on the part of the American Government, to vio- late the existing Treaty of Peace between Great Britain and the United States, as far as relates to the infringement of the Indian Territories.
A large Force is reported to be on its way to Michilimackinac for the purpose of establishing Forts at Green Bay, on Lake Mich-
Royal E
632
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Post, . on Lake Huron, giving a most favorable Report of the eligi- bility of the Situation which has been pitched upon for that purpose : —
It combines, he reports, almost every essential requisite, which can be wished for: — The Harbour is excellent and the site of the proposed Town, from its contiguity to the Harbour, admirably well calculated for commercial purposes.
And its situation healthful & pleasant. It had been apprehended, that a scarcity of good soil prevailed in its immediate neighbour- hood but this idea has proved erroneous; and there appears to be abundance of excellent Land in the interior parts of the Island. And there is even reason to hope, and to believe, from what has been recently discovered, that, there will be found an ample supply of Timber for Ship-Building.
The proposed Fort is intended to protect the Harbour and the Town and will with the addition of a small Battery, a few hundred yards from the work, effectually command the passage of the Detour — a circumstance of no small importance in a military point of view, as thereby, as well as from the natural strength of the ground it will be an easy matter for an enemy to approach it.
Were it not, that, Michilimackinac is the Key to the Country of the Western Indians, and those inhabiting the borders of the Mis- sissippi, and that, its possession carries with it, the supreme control over all the Nations, little is to be regretted by the loss of Mich- ilimackinac.
This Island, however, on which the new Post has been established, and now called Drummond's Island, is the property of the Indians, and must necessarily be purchased from them with the usual form , and ceremony. The amount of the purchase is generally paid in goods of British Manufacture; a Requisition for which, I will have the honor of transmitting to Your Lordship, as soon as a reason- able valuation shall be fixed on by the Commissioners, I shall nominate for the arrangement of the Purchase. —
I am concerned to acquaint Your Lordship, that, there appears a strong indication on the part of the American Government, to vio- late the existing Treaty of Peace between Great Britain and the United States, as far as relates to the infringemeut of the Indian Territories.
A large Force is reported to be on its way to Michilimackinac for the purpose of establishing Forts at Green Bay, on Lake Mich-
REFERENCES
TO THE
ACCOMPANYING SKETCH.
A— Quarter formerly occupied as an Engineer Quarter, but now used as a MesB room; the kitchen & house both require considerable repairs.
-Quarter given over to the Barrack Master but formerly occupied by Cap" Payne Royal Engineers this building should the former continue a Mess-room must become the Engineers Quarter; it needs a very complete rppair.
-Building dividt'd into two portions, one used as an Ordnance Store, and the other as a Guard room &c— it is proposed to remove the Ordnance Stores from the one half, as it is regularly fitted up for a Barrack & was formerly used as such.
-Barracks.
-Store belonging to the Store Keeper General.
-Commissariat Store.
-Barrack Store & Hospital, it is proposed to remove the Barrack Stores from the half of this Building which they now occupy.
Map of the New Post on Drummond's Island.
See Vol. 16, Page 694.
632
Pos bili pur I
can pro oak A that hoo abu An( bee of
1
To\ yan — a as will \ the siss ove: ilin
and and and goo the abl( noD I
strc late Un: Ter A for
SIR GORDON DRUMMOND TO EARL BATHURST.
633
igan, and at Chicago; and another Force is to proceed up the Mississippi from Fort Louis to reestablish the Fort at Prairie des Chiens (a few miles above the mouth of the Ouisoonsin River) as well as to form a Post at the Falls of St. Anthony.
These Intentions are by no means kept a secret, but openly spoken of, I understand, by officers of the American Army.
And how far such Proceedings should be permitted, without a firm remonstrance on the part of Great Britain, it is not for me to decide, but to submit the subject to Your Lordship's superior judgement and decision.
The plan, the American Government seem at present to have entered upon, is, to call a numerous Council of the Indians for the ostensible purpose of making Peace, but being well aware that some of the Tribes will not permit their territory to be usurped by so inveterate an Enemy, with the real determination to carry into e^eot their object, even at the extermination of every Native of the Country,
I feel extremely anxious on this occasion, and am ^desirous of Your Lordship's Instructions how to act, under every circumstance of the case.
I have no doubt but many of our faithful allies will apply for succour in their distress; — If it is refused them, we force them into the power of their bitterest Enemies; — If it is granted them, we inevitably bring on another Rupture between ourselves and the United States.
Since commencing this letter I have again heard from Lieut Col, McDonall who states, that. Major Morgan, the American Officer com- manding at Michilimackinac had acquainted him, that, the United States Troops were already in possession of Prairie des Chiens: He avowed the intention of his Government to build Forts at that place, at Green Bay and at Chicago, as I have before mentioned : and he also admitted frankly, that, by the late Treaty, they had no right to do so: no right to occupy Indian Territory; or construct Forts upon it, which they did not possess before the war; But, that still it was determined upon, and should be done!
In addition to this, Major Morgan, also stated that. General Brown had arrived at Detroit, or was hourly expected, with a strong Body of Men on his way to Michilimackinac. 80
634
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS,
I have not failed constantly to oommunioate with Mr. Baker at Washington, on this particular subject, as on every other, which I conceive may tend to the Interests of the British Government. I have the honor to be My Lord
Your L'ordship's
most obedient
Humble Servant
Gordon Drummond.
Eight Honorable Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: Quebec, 27 August 1815.
Lt. Genl. Sir Q. Drummond. No. 59.
[ Q 133, p 81 ]
SIR GEORGE PREVOST TO MAJOR GENERAL SIR FREDERICK ROBINSON.
Sir, ' London, Ist September 1815.
A copy of the decision of a Naval Court Martial having appeared in the Public Prints, wherein the failure of the Naval operations on Lake Champlain in Sept 1814 is distinctly & principally attrib- uted to me as Comr. of the Land Forces, I humbly beg permis- sion as a general officer under Yr. R. H's immediate command & Protection, to strongly protest against that decision, so far as the same extends to reflect on, and in fact to prejudice the conduct of myself and The Army then under my command for the following reasons namely.
That my conduct & that of the army not being the subject of the Courts enquiry, and deliberation and no Military Evidence being adduced before them whereby to judge of the operations of the army, The Court were not qualified to form the opinion and attri- bute the failure to the causes assigned in their Sentence.
That in forming such opinion it appears that the Court have relied on the bare and naturally partial statements and assertions 'of the Parties themselves whose conduct was the object of enquiry, unsuppported by any corroborative proof or other than ex parte evidence.
Although I am anxiously looking forward to the arrival of that still undefined period, when an opportunity will be afforded me of refuting the charges which have been thus, and in other shapes circulated against me, I nevertheless cannot " in the mean time but
CAPT. JAMES LUCAS YEO TO JOHN W. CROKER.
635
sensibly feel how much the hardship of my case is enhanced by the promulgation and publicity given to the opinion and prejudica- tion of this Court, while the means for my vindication are with- held, and these circumstances strongly aggravated by the continued delay of my accuser in bringing forward his accusations.
I again therefore most earnestly tho' most humbly solicit H. R. H's interposition on my Behalf with His Majesty's Govt, to urge and compel my accuser to produce in due legal Form, and proceed upon his charges against me; that the earliest opportunity possible may be afforded me of vindicating my character and conduct as well as that of the Army I commanded, and here I cannot refrain from expressing the anxiety which has been created in my mind by the recent nomination of Sir James Yeo to a foreign command which will take him out of this Kingdom. If such should be the case, previous to my being called upon to meet the charges he has to prefer against me, further delay must ensue; & should that or any other cause of unnecessary & cruel procrastination be permitted, justice will be so seriously violated, that in discharge of a duty I owe to my own character, and the service to which I have the honor to belong, I shall feel myself called upon to entreat Your Royal Highness graciously to condescend to lay a brief statement of my case & grievances at the Foot of the Throne for such Redress as His Royal Highness The Prince Regent may consider proper.
I have the honor to be &c.
George Prevost,
Lt. General.
His Eoyal Highness The Comr. in Chief, &c. &c. &c. [ Q 134-1, p 71 ]
capt. james lucas yeo to john w. croker, esq.
His Majesty's Ship Inconstant, Portsmouth, 5th Septemr. 1815.
Sir,
In obedience to directions from the Lord Commrs. of the Admty. contained in your Letter of the 14th of June 1815, I transmitted my charges against Lieut General Sir George Prevost, to the judge advocate General on the 26th Ultimo, and this day they were returned to me with a Letter from that Gentleman a copy of which
636
COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS.
I have the honor to enclose, as also my letter of the 26th Ultimo to the Eight Honorable Charles Manners Sutton.
I now have the honor to transmit the charges to you Sir, for their Lordship's information. I must beg leave to observe that in prefer- ring these charges against Sir George Prevost, I have done it solely as a duty, having received instructions to that effect. I deplore the necessity of this investigation, more particularly being placed in the painful situation of a public accuser, but had I withheld my opinion, I must have compromised the honor of our arms, and been unworthy of the high responsible situation I then held — ^responsi- bility is the necessary attendant on command, and I hope never to shrink from what I consider my duty.
The Judge Advocate General has informed me that Major Gen- eral Sir Francis Eobinson cannot be summoned by him until the warrant for the Court Martial is issued. Sir F. Kobinson is now in Upper Canada. It is therefore scarcely possible that that officer can return to England before the navigation opens next Spring which is in May.
I have &o
James Lucas Yeo, John Wilson Croker, Esq., &c. &c. &c. Captain.
Endorsed:
la Mr. Barrow's 9 Sept.
[ Q 134-1, p 37 ]
MAJOR GENERAL SIR FREDERICK ROBINSON TO EARL BATHURST.
Horse Guards, 5th September 1815.
My Lord,
It is duly incumbent upon me to transmit to Your Lordship the enclosed copy of a letter addressed to me by Lieut General Sir George Prevost, with a request that, should you see no reason to the contrary, you will forward the same to the first Lord of the Admiralty.
I confess it is a matter of extreme surprize to me, that Sir James Yeo should have been allowed to delay the framing of the charges which he has been called upon to prefer against the Lieut General; and without meaning to question the propriety of the proceedings of the late Naval Court Martial which sat at Portsmouth, or the accuracy of their decision in attributing the failure on Lake Cham-
JOHN BARROW TO GENERAL BUNBURY.
637
plain to the want of Military co-operation I must deem it unfor- tunate that Sir James Yeo should have delayed his charges until the ■ publication of those proceedings and decision ; it is equally unfortunate that the practice of giving immediate publication of Naval Courts Martial should have the effect, in this instance, of prejudicing the Lieut General until the ends of justice had been mutually answered by His being put upon His Trial for the alledged misconduct upon which that Naval Court Martial have thought proper to form a judgment.
I must also express my hopes to Your Lordship that Sir James Yeo shall not be permitted to proceed upon the service to which rumour has appointed him, until he shall carry into execution the duty which his official report upon the Lieut General's conduct has imposed upon him.
I have received an earnest application from Sir George Prevost requesting my interposition in the behalf of His claim to be fur- nished with an authenticated copy of the decision of the Naval Court Martial which sat 'at Portsmouth for the Trial of Captain Pring; and I request that Your Lordship will make the requisite application to the Admiralty.
I am My Lord Yours
Frederick:. Commander in Chief.
The Eight Honble Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c. [ Q 134-1, p 69 ]
JOHN BARROW TO MAJ. GEN. H, BUNBURY.
Sir, Admiralty Office, 9th Sept. 1815.
In further reference to Earl Bathurst's communications to My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty regarding the charges of Sir James Yeo against Sir George Prevost, I have it in command to enclose herewith for His Lordship's information copies of a Letter from Sir James Yeo and of its enclosures, containing the charges preferred by Sir James. I am Sir
Your most obt. hbl. Servt.
Jno. Barrow.
M. Gfenl. Sir Hy Bunbury, &c. &c. &c.
Endoreed:
Admiralty Office, 9 Septr. 1815. Mr. Barrow. Fonr Inclosnree.
[ Q 134-1, p 86 ]
638 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
JOHN STRACHAN TO MAJ. GEN. SIR GEORGE MURRAY.
York, Upper Canada, 3 Oct. 18J5.
Sir,
The distance from York to Michilimackinac, and St Joseph through Lakes Simcoe and Huron is less than from Detroit.
I am
Sir
Your most obedt
Humble Servant
John Straohan Major General Sir George Murray, G. C. B., &c. &c. &c.
[ Q 321, p 40 ]
SIR GORDON DRUMMOND TO LIEUT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE.
Extracts from a letter of the Lieut General Commanding His Maj- esty's Forces in Upper and Lower Canada, to Lieut Governor Gore, dated
Quebec, 25th November 1815.
" And will forthwith give directions that no interference on the "part of the several officers whom I had instructed on this head " vizt Lieut Colonel James at Amherstburg, and Lieut Colonel " McDonall at Drummond Island, shall in future take place."
" I beg leave at the same time to assure you, as before stated, "that I will cause every facility to be afforded to your demands, "as well with regard to provisions and pay &c as in every other "matter connected with the Department."
" The grounds on which were founded my orders for the removal " of the Superintendent of the Western Indians, arose from repeated "complaints made to me by Major General Sir Fredk. Robinson,
SIR GORDON DRUMMOND TO LIEUT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE. 639
when in the command of the Troops in the Upper Province, and "in the administration of the Civil Government also."
*' I cannot therefore conceive any further investigation requisite "as to Colonel Caldwell's incapacity, of which I have been an eye "witness on more than one occasion."
Endorsed:
Extracts from a letter of Sir Gordon Drammond to Lieut. Governor Gore, dated
Quebec, 25th Novr. 1815.
[ Q 320, p 168 ]
SIR GORDON DRUMMOND TO LT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE.
Quebec, December 7th 1815.
Sir,
The accompanying copy of a communication [ 2 Nov. 1815 ] from Lieut Colonel James commanding at Amherstburg, with its several enclosures, [Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4] * addresed to Major General Sir F. Kobinson being on subjects connected with the Civil Administration of the Upper Province, I have the honor to forward copies of the same to Your Excellency as transmitted by Major General De Watteville to me, as the Major General has not acquainted me whether he had or had not already brought the matter to Your Excellency's notice.
I have the honor to be Sir
Your Excellency's
most obedient
humble Servant
Gordon Drummond.
His Excellency Lieut. Governor Gore, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed:
In Lt. Govr. Gore's (No. 7) 27th Deer. 1815.
[ Q 319, p 209 ]
*The Communication and its inclosares referred to in this letter are published in Vol. 16, as follows: Nov. 2, 1815, James to Robinson, on page 376. No. 1, Caldwell to James, Oct. 21, 1815, page 354.
" 2, James to Cass, Oct, 22, 1815, page 358.
" 3, Cass to James, Oct. 26, 1815, page 863.
" 4, James to Cass, Nov. 1. 1815, page 366.
640
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
JOHN JENKYN8 TO HENRY GOULBURN, ESQ.
Lincoln's Inn, 20th Deer. 1815.
Sir,
In pursuance of your letter of the 19 July last I have proceeded to inform Sir James Lucas Yeo every assistance in my power in conducting the charges which he then proposes to bring against Lieut Genl Sir Geo. Prevost.
A communication from the Judge Advocate gives me to under- stand that the Court Martial is fixed for the 15th of the next month. •
' As it will be necessary that I should in the meantime have many personal conferences with Sir James Yeo, and that he should con- sult with his Counsel I have to request that you will be pleased to obtain leave of absence for sir James Lucas Yeo from the present time until the Court Martial is over. I have the honour to be Sir
Your most obedient
humble Servant
eJoHN Jenkyns.
Henry Goulburn, Esq., &c. &c. <fec. [ Q 134-1, p 126 ]
JOHN JENKYNS TO HENRY GOULBURN, ESQ.
Lincoln's Inn, 29th Dec. 1815.
Sir,
Since my letter to you of yesterday's date, I have received a letter from the Deputy Judge Advocate informing me that Sir George Prevost's Court Martial is postponed to the 5th of February. The leave of absence therefore which I requested the favour of your obtaining for him will not be wanted immediately. I have the honour to be Sir
Your most obedient
humble Servant
John Jenkyns.
Henry Goulburn, Esqr. [ Q 134-1, p 125 ]
LIEUT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE TO COL. WM. CLAUS. 641
LT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE TO COL. WM. CLAUS.
Sir, ' York, 17 January 1816.
On your arrival at Amherstburg you will oommunioate to the oflScer commanding at that post, the accompanying extract of Lt. General Sir Gordon Drummond's letter of the 25 November last, in which he informs me, that orders have been given to prohibit the interference of the Military OfiBcers, with the Indian Depart- ment under Your Superintendence, and that every facility shall be afforded, as well with regard to provisions and pay, as in every other matter connected with the Departm't.
As the past interference appears to have been sanctioned by Sir Gordon's orders, in ignorance that the affairs of the Indians were exclusively under the direction and control of the Civil Authority, It is desirable that there should be no other retrospect on that Head than to enquire into the State of the Stores and ascertain by what orders and for what purposes they have been consumed, so as to meet the representation of the officer commanding at Fort Amherst. In this enquiry you will be very minute, and in the event of any misconduct in the Superintendent or Storekeeper, report par- ticularly and fully for my information.
As the Commander of the Forces assures me, that whilst he administered the Government of this Province, he had full personal conviction of the incapacity of Colonel Caldwell, for the superin- tendence of that post, I cannot justify myself in exposing His Majesty's interest, by returning him to the functions of that office; and that as it is essential that so important a Branch of the Department should not be without an efficient superintendent, I shall be constrained to appoint another person to that duty, of which you will apprize Colonel Caldwell.
It will require great delicacy in any Councils you may hold with any of the Indian Tribes, whose residence is within the Territory of the United States, to make them comprehend the subsisting rela- tions. It may be proper to let them understand that their Great Father will extend his paternal attention to their comforts and that his Traders will continue their usual Traffic, within their respective Districts. The reservation made by Lt. General Hunter of the then existing Rules, for the Government of the Indian Department in Upper Canada, was not found inconvenient so long as the Civil and Military Authority was united in the same person : but the two commands being now distinct, it is necessary to provide for the contingency. 8L
642 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
The Instruction of the 27th March 1787, were founded upon soj just a view of the subject, ihat I shall sanction the least possible! deviation for the present, merely substituting the attendance of two" or more magistrates or principal Inhabitants in the event of any] commanding officer declining to sanction by his presence when- required the issue of presents or provisions to the Indians.
You will obtain the most correct information possible of the! probable demand, for Eations to Indians connected the Fort Amherst! Branch of the Department, and endeavour to reduce the demand. 1 Upon this subject you will report to me the excess, if any, in the' quantity issued, and the causes of that excess since 1811, and how- far it may be expedient to authorise an Issue of provisions for a! given period in Gross, to be re-issued to the Indians, at the dia- cretion of the Superintending officer without resort to a regular and; formal diminution of the Eation.
That no doubt may arise on the construction of the orders of the; Commander of the Forces to the Commissariat, you will furnish the| commanding officer and the Commissary with a copy of my order] of the 15th Inst explaining, who is to be considered the senior^ officer of the Department for the purpose of making requisitions, you will not fail to impress upon the Superintendants, Agents, and; other officers of the Department, the most respectful demeanor to| the Commanding and other Military Officers, upon all occasions, and] especially when their presence is required to give solemnity to any| Transactions with Indians. ;
I have the honor tu be Sir j Your most obedt Servant
Francis Gore, ] Lieutenant Governor. 1
The Honble Colonel Clans, Dy. Sup. Genl. and Dy. iDsp, Genl. Indian] Affairs. '
[Q 320, p 174]
■ i
SIR GORDON DRUMMOND TO LT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE. i
Sir, Quebec, March 2nd, 1816. !
Having received from Major General de Watteville, Commanding; in Hpper Canada, a copy of a letter addressed to Sir Frederick ^ Eobinson, from Lieutenant Colonel McDonall, * Commanding at;
lOth Jan. 1816.
LIEUT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE TO GENERAL DeWATTEVILLE. 643
Drummond Island, on Lake Huron, on the subject of the issue of Presents, by the British Government to sundry Tribes of Indians, residing without the limits of the British possessions in North America, I cannot withhold my opinion from Your Excellency, that I decidedly consider the promises of our Agents made relative thereto, should be permitted to be carried into full effect, and more particularly so with regard to the Sawkes, and other nations, resid- ing on the Mississippi, or at a considerable distance from Drum- mond Island. I, by no means, am desirous of fomenting discord between those people and the American Government; but quite the reverse, yet I deem it but common justice to such faithful friends, and but common policy and prudence, to manifest the high opinion which is entertained of the essential services they performed to the British Nation, during the late war; as well as to prove the con- stancy of British friendship towards faithful allies.
Lieutenant Colonel McDonall could nut have received my Instruc- , tions relative to his non-interference with Indian Affairs at the date of his letter — They must, however, have reached him long ere this.
I have the honor to be &c.
Gordon Drummond. His Excellency Lieutenant Governor Gore, &c. &c. &c.
Endorsed: Copy. * Lt. Genl. Sir Gordon Drummond to Lt. Goyr. Gore.
[Q 320, p 79]
LT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE TO MAJ. GEN. DE WATTEVILLE.
York, 15th March 1816.
Sir,
The Dispatch of Lieut Colonel McDonall of the 2d of December, and that oflScer's letter of the 10th January addressed to Sir Fred- erick P. Robinson, which you did me the honor to transmit, have called for a communication from me to the Dy Superintendant General of Indian Affairs, discountenancing all correspondence on Indian Affairs with the servants and officers of the United States, and expressly disavowing any interference in behalf of Individual Traders, who choose to continue their' residence within the American Posts.
Questions respecting Tithes to Land, where the right of Territory is not disputed, which is not pretended to be the case, in respect
644 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS. i
to Isle Ronde, must abide the decision of the Municipal Laws of ] the Country in which, they may be situated. \ The new Treaty with the United States of America, making the I Provision for a mutual intercourse on direct Trade with the Indians, ! no Presents can be sent to such as reside within their Territory, j But on their visits to the King's Posts, I shall expect that they ' shall be treated with the usual hospitality and, assured that within \ our Lines, they shall meet every possible encouragement in their ' usual Traffick.
Presents will be distributed to such as visit the Posts, at the j discretion of the senior officer of the Indian Department, who will | receive directions to pay the most respectful deference to the senior i officer commanding. . I have the honor to be | Sir _ '
Your most obedt Servant ^
Francis Gore, • Major General DeWatteville, &c. &c. &c. Lt. Governor ^
Endorsed: Copy. ■] Lient. Governor Gore to Major General DeWatteville. * J
[ Q 320, p 75 ] ;
!
LT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE TO SIR GORDON DRUMMOND. |
York, 19th March 1816. ] Sir, ' Before the receipt of Your Excellency's letter of the 2d Instant •
I had replied to a communication made to me by Major General j
De Watteville, of Lieutenant Colonel McDonall's despatch of the 2nd |
of December and that Officer's letter of the 10th of January, j
addressed to Major General Sir Frederick Robinson. ]
It is certainly a subject of regret to me, not to co incide impli- ' citly, in any opinion of Your Excellency, on Indian Affairs, as : Your Excellency will perceive, from the copy, I enclose, of my ; letter, to Major General De Watteville, I do not feel myself at \ liberty, in the present state of our Relations, with the United States , of America, to assume the responsibility of sending presents to the i Mississippi in time of peace. ,
I shall lose no time in transmitting Your Excellency's wish to ] His Majesty's Secretary of State, soliciting at the same time, the '
LIEUr. GOV. FilANCIS GORE TO EARL BATHURST.
645
earliest Instructions on that subject, and hope to receive His Hoyal Highness the Prince Regent's command to carry them into effect, before the Summer is too far advanced.
I have the honor to be &o.
Francis Gore,
Lt« Govn
Endorsed: Copy.
lit. Govr. Gore to Lt. Genl. Sir Gordon Dranamond.
[QB20, p77]
LT. GOV, FRANCIS GORE TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 13.]
Upper Canada, York, 20th March 1816.
My Lord,
Having the misfortune to differ in opinion with Sir Gordon Drummond on the subject of sending presents to the Soakes and other Indians in the Plains of the Mississippi, I lose no time to transmit to Your Lordship the correspondence on this occasion, and to solicit Your Lordship's Instructions.
In thus making it the subject of a special Despatch, my prin- cipal view is to obtain timely notice of it, that if it should be Your Lordship's pleasure the presents may be forwarded in good season.
It is my duty to state to Your Lordship, the extreme jealousy of our neighbours in our intercourse with the Indians within their Territories and that the silence of the Treaty of Ghent and of the late convention on that subject exposes the presents to be seized in Transition or Contraband and will expose those having charge of them to personal inconvenience and danger.
I learn also from the Indian Department that it is not customary to send presents to those Nations or has it been even done in times of peace,
I have the honor to be My Lord with great respect
Your Lordship's most obedient humble Servant
Francis Gore,
To Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c. Lt. Governor.
[ Q 320, p 73 1
646
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
LT. COL. ROBERT NICHOL TO LT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE. ]
York, March 22nd 1816. ; Sir, \
I now do myself the honor of transmitting to Your Excellency a Memorial on the subject of Medals to myself and other Militia j Officers who were employed on the Expedition under the late Major ; General Sir Isaac Brock to Detroit.
Not having my papers here I cannot send along with this a List ^ of the other officers; tho' I presume that sent by me to the Adju- ] tant General of Militia in 1814 has been by His Excellency Sir j Gordon Drummond transmitted to England. \
The Medal being merely for Detroit I have forborne to detail my ' other Services; but I can assure Your Excellency that in 1812, [ 1813 and 1814 I was constantly and actively employed in the field; ' that I was personally engaged in many affairs with the enemy; that ' in the disastrous affair at Fort George, in May 1813 my horse was j killed under me while acting as Aid de Camp to Colonel Myers who commanded the only Division that was engaged; and that by | D3y suggestion and assistance, the whole force that was on the Niagara Frontier was concentrated and conducted to Burlington ■ Heights without further loss, altho' the Enemy had turned the left , of the Army, and gained possession of the principal Eoads by which i it wco practicable to retreat. For my services on that occasion I was ; T^'Jiblicly thanked on the field by Major General, then Brigadier General Vincent, and was promised to be mentioned in the Despatch, that promise, was however, forgotten.
I further beg to say to Your Excellency, that twice during the ' Campaign, I, by my representations and suggestions, prevented the : evacuation of Burlington, and a retreat on Kingston, after they were ordered by which I do conceive, that I rendered important ^ service to the Country.
I may also with Truth say, that the Commissariat did, on many occasions, derive the greatest assistance from my exertions. ' -|
1 was concerned in the repulse of General Smyth, from Fort Erie, i in November 1812, in several skirmishes while Fort Erie was j invested, and led one of the Divisions to the Assault.
The different officers under whom I have served, will, I feel confident, on reference to them, do justice to my reputation as a Militia Officer, and I am induced to hope that Your Excellency will feel no repugnance to second my instances to obtain that Hon- ,
LIEUT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE TO EARL BATHURST.
647
orable distinction, which it appears, His Royal Highness the Prince Regent did, at one time, think was my due.
I enclose a Certificate Copy of Lieutenant Colonel Foster's (Adjt. General) letter to Major Glegg, on the same subject, tho' neither his answer nor a copy of it can be found in the Adjutant Gen- erals's OflSce.
I have the honor &c
Robert Nichol, Lt. Coll. 2nd Norfolk & Q. M. Genl. Mil.
To His Excellency Lt. Governor Gore, <fec. &c. &c.
Endorsed:
Copy 22nd March 1818. Lt. Col. Nichol of the Upper Caaada Militia to Lt. Govr. Gore.
[ Q 320, p 140 ]
LT. GOV. FRANCIS GORE TO EARL BATHURST.
Upper Canada, York, 29tli April 1816.
My Lord,
I have this moment discovered in consequence of an explanatory Letter from Sir Gordon Drummond that my Despatch to Your Lordship No 13 of the 20th of March, was founded on an erro- neous application of His Excellency's letter of the 2nd of March last, to a part of a letter from Lieut. Colonel McDonall at Drum- mond Island, on the subject of presents to Indians, within the Indian lines, which in the multiplicity of office business, during the session of the Legislature had been marked by mistake, for my notice, without referring to a subsequent part of the letter which would have explained, and given quite a different construction to Sir Gordon Drummond's communication.
It is impossible to feel more on this occasion than I do, and I take the earliest moment to make this acknowledgement to Your Lordship, as much as an act of justice to myself as to Sir Gordon Drummond.
I have the honor to be My Lord
With great respect Your Lordship's
Most obedient Humble Servant
Francis Gore,
The Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c. Lt. Governor.
[ Q 320, p 199 ]
648
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
SIR GORDON DRUMMOND TO EARL BATHURST.
[No. 135.]
Quebec, May 20th 1816.
My Lord,
I have the hoDor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Lordship's Dispatch* of the 13th of March last.
The Instructions contained therein, to warn all officers in the command of Frontier Posts from entering into any political corre- spondence whatever with either the Civil or Military Authorities of the United States, shall be duly communicated to those concerned.
It would have been totally impossible to have suppressed all oor-^ respondence, between the Commandants of Posts, and the neigh- bouring American Authorities particularly at Amherstburg, and Michilimackinac, on the immediate restitution of those Places to their respective Powers, or indeed for a considerable length of time after- wards, as such correspondence necessarily arose out of the very nature of that restitution. But it might have been discontinued, no doubt, at an earlier period, had it not been forced by the most rancourous enmity, and malevolence of disposition, on the part of the American Inhabitants, and even of those authorities, which should have, by a due spirit of conciliation, afforded a better example.
Copies of all Communications which passed were uniformly trans- mitted to me, by my express command ; and these I never failed to forwaiJ to His Majesty's Minister at Washington as well for the sako of remonstrance, or for mere information, as the circumstances A the case required. My correspondence with Mr. Baker has been voluminous. I would have, however, done myself the honor of transmitting copies to your Lordship, had I not considered that Gentleman the best channel of information on all subjects connected with our Political Relations with the United States.
I have the honor to enclose herewith Copies & Extract of Letters, addressed, by my order, to Major General De Watteville, command- ing the Troops in Upper Canada; whereby Your Lordship will per- ceive that in the particular instance quoted in Your Lordship's Despatch of the 13th of March, relative to the wanton murder of an unoffending Kickapoo Indian, at the time a resident in the British Territory, I directed that the officer in command at Amherst- burg should be instructed to refrain from further correspondence with the American Authorities, on this, or on any other subject of
* PabllBhed in Vol. 16. paeo U2.
MEMORIAL OF LIEUT, COL. ROBERT NICHOL,
649
a civil nature, and that he was to refer such matter at all times to Lieutenant Governor Gore,
Your Lordship will also perceive, that as Lieutenant Governor Gore had but lately arrived in Upper Canada, and was consequently unacquainted with the events which had taken place for a consid- erable length of time previous, I deemed it advisable to transmit the communications, regarding the whole of the transaction in ques- tion, to Mr. Baker, at Washington, as strongly corroborative of the reports which I had before made to that gentleman of the extremely unfriendly disposition of the American Inhabitants of Detroit' towards their British Neighbours.
I have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obedient
humble Servant
Gordon Deummond.
Right Honorable Earl Bathurst, <fec. &c, &c, [ Q 136, p 22'2 ]
MEMORIAL OF LT. COL. ROBERT NIOHOL, STATING HIS SERVICES AT THE TAKING OF DETROIT, ETC
To the Eight Honorable Earl Bathurst His Majesty's principal Secre- tary of State for War and Colonies, &c. &c. &c. &c. &c. &o.
The Memorial of Lieut Colonel Nichol Quarter Master General of the Militia Forces of Upper Canada during the late war with the United States of America. Most respectfully sheweth.
That Your Memorialist previous to the late War with the United States was established in a very profitable & extensive Mercantile business in the London District of Upper Canada.
That immediately after the declaration of war by the Enemy (information of which was conveyed to the late Major General Brock in seven days from Washington) — through arrangements made by the Mercantile Connections of your Memorialist, the Government dis- patches announcing the fact, not arriving till fourteen days after- wards, your Memorialist was sent for by Major General Brock, and 82
650
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
called upon to take upon himself the arduous and important oflSoe of Quarter Master General of Militia.
That Your Memorialist at first declined complying with the Major General's wishes assigning as reasons the state of his private con- cerns which would be involved in him should he undertake any permanent employed — and his inability to do justice to so import- ant a trust. Your Memorialist at the same time expressed his read- iness to perform any and every duty of which he was capable for the time he was by law to serve (vis six months) but the Major General would take no refusal. He was pleased to say that Your Memorialist was the only Inhabitant of the Upper Province that he knew of, that was at all adequate to the situation, and insisted on Your Memorialists immediate compliance with his request, adding that he knew Your Memorialist must sacrifice a great deal, but that the British Government was never backward in rewarding faithful & meritorious services, and that it should be his care to bring the just claims of Your Memorialist to the favorable notice of the Gov- ernment. Your Memorialist accordingly on the 27th June 1812 undertook to perform the duties of Quarter Master General of Militia in' which situation he served and with reputation 'til the close of the war and
Had General Brock survived Your Memorialist feels confident his promise would have been fulfilled.
That '^.t tne time Your Memorialist entered upon the duties of his office, there was no officer of the Quarter Master General's Department of the Line, on the Niagara Frontier, and that the whole of the duties of that Department were, in addition, to those of the Militia, performed and satisfactorily by Your Memorialist, the arrival of Colonel Myers Deputy Quarter Master General of the King's Forces about the middle of the month of July following.
That on the 28th July, Your Memorialist being with the Major General at York received his orders to make arrangements for mov- ing hy water a Force of five hundred men to Amherstburg, together with their Baggage and Stores. Colonel Myers whose immediate duty it was to do this, being from the exigency of the service appointed to the important command of the Niagara Frontier, dur- ing the Major General's necessary absence.
That Your Memorialist although (from the poverty of the King's magazines at the time) he could get no assistance in Boats or Stores, by extraordinary exertions, and by the impressment of private
MEMORIAL OF LIEUT. COL. ROBERT NICHOL.
651
vessels and Boats, was enabled to meet by the time appointed by the Major General all the Exigencies of the Service, and actually conducted as Quarter Master General Pilot & Guide for he acted in all these situations the whole force from Long Point to Amherst- burg a distance of upwards of two Hundred Miles — along a most difficult and dangerous coast, without loss or accident, in the short space of four days, for which service he received the Major Gen- eral's warm thanks.
That the expedition against Detroit was undertaken on the local knowledge of Your Memorialist, who not only designed the point of disembarkation, but actually superintended the landing of the Troops which was effected without accident. Your Memorialist land- ing from the first boat.
That after the surrender of Detroit Your Memorialist was left by the Major General in consequence of his local knowledge of the Country to assist Major General then Colonel Procter in making the necessary arrangements for the defence of that command, which service he performed to the acknowledged satisfaction of both those officers.
That on his return to the Head Quarters of Major General Brock Your Memorialist was ordered to make a confidential report on the state of the Western Command which he performed to the perfect satisfaction of the Major General, who then ordered Your Memorialist to Lower Canada ostensibly to purchase stores and clothing for the Militia but in reality to communicate confidentially to the late Sir George Prevost the very critical situation in which General Brock found himself placed, restrained from acting offensively and expect- ing to be attacked by an overwhelming force of the enemy at some one point of his very extensive line, while the zeal and enthusiasm of the Militia were subsiding — from the state of inactivity in which they were kept.
That Your Memorialist on his return to Upper Canada was per- sonally engaged in the repulse of the American General Smyth, near Fort Erie — ^And in the several affairs which took place on the Niagara Frontier during the months of November and December 1812, and that he was principally instrumental in preventing the evacuation of Fort Erie and the abandonment of the lines in the neighborhood at a time when the moral effect of such a measure would have accelerated the rain of the King's affairs in Upper Canada.
652
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
That in the affair at Fort George on the 27th May 1813, Your Memorialist then acting in the Military Situation of Aide de Camp to Colonel Myers who commanded a Division of the Force stationed for the defence of the Niagara Frontier, was warmly engaged with the enemy and had a Horse killed under him in the action.
That Colonel Myers being in this affair severely wounded was removed to his own house where he afterwards fell into the Enemy's hands — that the command then devolved on Colonel Ogilvy of the King's Eegt. whom Your Memorialist assisted to rally and after- wards to bring off the Troops who had suffered severely, but which was effected in good order.
That having been joined by the second or Right division under Lt. Col. Harvey, Major General then Brigadier Vincent proposed falling back on Fort Erie, taking with him the different detachments stationed along the line of the Niagara towards Fort Erie — adding that he would order Brigadier Procter to destroy Detroit and Amherstburg and to join him with the force under his command at that place. Your Memorialist however represented to the Briga- dier that by this movement he would abandon all communication with Sir George Prevost then at Kingston would put it out of Sir George's power to relieve or reinforce him, that Fort Erie con- tained no magazines, and the Country in the neighbourhood fur- nished no supplies. That in fact he would go into a Trou de Loup from which no Talent or Bravery could extricate him — and that the effect of this movement would be to compromise the safety of the whole division as well as the whole of the Province -above King- ston. Your Memorialist having stated these oircumatanceg recom- mended an immediate movement on Burlington Heights to which place he assured the Brigadier he could conduct the whole division (although the principal roads were at the time occupied by the Enemy) provided he without delay decided -on making it — Lt Col. Harvey & the late Capt. Milnes Aide de Camp at the time to the late Sir George Prevost, press'd the Brigadier to follow Your Memo- rialist's advice, to which he assents & your Memorialist by his arrangements concentrated by nine o'clock that same evening the whole of the division consisting of about Fourteen Hundred Men without the loss of Guns or Stores of any kind — At the Beaver Dam ticelve miles in Advance of the Enemy towards Burlington Heights, at which latter place, the whole force arrived without loss or accident, by easy marches on the first day of June — having
MEMORIAL OF LIEUT. COL. ROBERT NICHOL.
653
halted two days at the Forty Mile Creek. By this movement the center division was plaoed in a strong and eligible position its supplies were secured, and its communications with the right and left were completely reestablished.
That after the action of Stoney Creek fought on the morning of the 6th of June 13. Brigadier Vincent being at the time missing Lt Colo, then Capt. McDonall <fe Aide de Camp to Sir George Prevost produced a letter, which had been in his possession for some time, from that officer directing an immediate retreat on ' Kingston.
Lieut Colonel Bisshopp being at the time the senior officer, was upon the point of complying with the order when Your Memorialist represented to him that Capt McDonall having had the order some days in his possession without producing it, it could only be con- sidered as a discretionary order. That He (Col Bisshopp) was evi- dently as much entitled to exercise his discretion as was Capt McDonall. That our situation from our recent success was materially changed for the better — that the Enemy had retreated to the Forty Milps Creek, and that it would be a proper measure as it respected his own Military reputation to take the opinion of the Field Staff Officers of the division — before he came to the determination of abandoning the Niagara District — A meeting of these officers was ordered, but General Vincent, coming in at the time, he determined on remaining til he heard again from Sir George Prevost.
That two days afterwards Sir James Yeo arrived with reinforce- ments which proved the correctness of Your Memorialist's reasoning, the enemy retired on Fort George; the division advanced; several partial successes were obtained over the Enemy. And the supply and subsistence of the King's Troops from the resources of tb© Country were thereby secured.
That from the 27th May 1813 until the 24th September of the same year, Your Memorialist in addition to his Militia Duty, had the sole charge of the Quarter Master General's Department of the center division, which at one time consisted of upwards of Three Thousand Regular Troops after which time Capt. Barclay having been defeated and captured on Lake Erie, Your Memorialist was detached on a most important service viz to embody a Militia Force & to keep open the communication between the right and left center divisions, what service he effectually performed, til the retreat and subsequent defeat of the Major General Procter, induced Major
654
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
GeDeral Vincent to order Your Memorialist to disembody the force under his command, when he immediately joined the Head Quarters.
That early in November Major General Vincent having communi- cated to Your Memorialist his intention of retiring with his division on Kingston Your Memorialist strongly remonstrated against the measure, stated a variety of reasons against it — • Among others the impossibility of transporting in the then state of the roads the Guns & Baggage to Kingston — which must therefore be abandoned or destroyed — the want of subsistence on the route the possibility of the Enemy then uncontrouled masters of the Lake occupying a position by which the small columns in which the division must march would fall into their hands in succession — the actual situation of Kingston at the time threatened with a siege, and with only seven days flour in the stores. The situation of the Niagara District when deserted by the King's Troops. Abandoned to the ravages of the Enemy, Exposed to the fury of the Indians who seeing themselves abandoned after all our protestations would in all probability purchase Peace of the Enemy by the Massacre of the Population. On these suggestions a council of Officers was assembled consisting of Major General Procter, Colo. Young, Colo Stewart Colo Murray & Lt. Colo. Gordon who decided that the army ought not to retire — the correctness of this opinion was verified by subsequent events. The army without being reinforced having advanced on Fort George which was retaken — having taken the American Fort Niagara by storm, & having cap- tured and destroyed every Fort and Settlement on the American side of the Niagara within little better than a month after it was proposed to retire.
That under the several General Officers who at various times commanded the Forces and administered the Civil Government of Upper Canada Your Memorialist was confidently consulted on both Civil and Military subjects. Then on such occasions he invariably gave such advice or opinions as he thought most conducive to the Interests of His Majesty's Service, and he is aware that his opin- ions on some occasions have been acted upon, and been the means of preventing the useless expenditure of many thousands of pounds.
That Your Memorialist was employed during the whole of the operations before Fort Erie — and led one of the Columns to the assault of that place. That he advised the )iiode of attack on the Schooners — but out of the Harbour of Fort Erie by Capt Dobbs
MEMORIAL OF LIEUT. COL. ROBERT NICHOL.
655
of the Koyal Navy, and furnished and transported seven miles by land, the Boats employed on that service.
That while laying before Fort Erie — He was on the 19th of August 1814, sent for by Lieut General Sir Gordon Drummond and informed that the Deputy Commissary General (Turquand) had just reported to him that he had only ten days Flour for the whole Force on the Niagara, and knew not where to get a supply 'til the arrival of Sir James Yeo who was not expected before the Middle of October. Your Memorialist told the Lieut General that if he would give him full powers, he would insure him a supply — ^the Lieut. General assented. Your Memorialist by his desire wrote the authority which he required which was signed by the Lt. General and in less than fourteen days all fears of want were removed & the King's Magazines were amply supplied by the local knowledge & exertions of Your Memorialist.
That in the month of March following Your Memorialist was by the annexed general struck off Pay and Allowances — & was thereby thrown upon the world with his business lost: His fortune ruined & the means he had possessed of supporting His Family on the restoration of Peace destroyed in consequence of having been found by the Enemy in possession of the King's Troops.
Wherefore Your Memorialist humbly hopes that Your Lordship taking into consideration His zealous & useful Military Services — ■ His Losses and Sufferings — brought upon principally through his connexion with the King's Armies & Government in Upper Canada, will see cause to bring his case to the knowledge of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent — and to recommend it to his princely consideration for such relief as in his Royal Benifioence may be thought meet — ^ and your memorialist as in duty bound will ever pray.
ROBT. NlCHOL,
Lt. Col., Q. M. Genl. of Militia Upper Canada. Fairstock Hotel, September 24, 1817.
Endorsed: No. 2.
Memorial Lt, Colo. Nichol.
[ Q 323, p 227 ]
656
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
MEMORIAL OF LIEUT. COL. HENRY BIRD.
To the Right Honorable the Earl Bathurst Secretary of State for the Colonial Department &c. &o. &>6. &o.
The memorial of Lieutenant Colonel Henry Bird of the half pay of the 87th Regiment, sheweth that Your Lordship's Memorialist is the eldest son of the late Lieutenant Colonel Bird, a captain in the Fifty fourth Regiment, who died on the Expedition to Egypt under Sir Ralph Aberorombie in the year 1800, after a service of thirty seven years of which he was employed in America, and from his active and zealous services with the Indians thro' the whole of the war from the year 1775 to 1784, he with several others obtained from them a grant of about three thousand acres of Land, described in the accompanying paper No. 1,* which grant was approved and ratified by Sir Frederick Haldimand the then Commander in Chief in Upper Canada — Your Memorialist's Father being partial to the Country had resolved (being reduced at the end of the war) to settle on the land he had obtained, and for that purpose at a very heavy expence, cleared a very considerable quantity of the ground; built two dwelling houses, planted orchards and made gardens, the whole of which were in a flourishing and improving state when he was obliged to come to England, by a Chancery Suit which involved the whole of his little property in this Country, and was eventually the means of preventing his return to Canada, on quitting America. He left his property there in charge of Mr. Hazell, his wife and her sister to preserve and improve till they should be called on to restore it to Your Memorialist's Father or his Heirs, as is shewn by the paper No. 2.f In the year 1796 it was judged expedient by Government to take possession of that part of the Land joining the River of Detroit, for the purpose of erecting a Fort and establishing a Military Post, in lieu of those at that time to be given up on the other side of the River; in consequence Mr. Hazell (the person left in charge of the property) was dispossessed of the House he lived in, which, as well as the other, the Orchards, Gardens and two hundred acres of the Land cleared at so great an expense by the late Lieutenant Colonel Bird, were all taken possession of by Government for the above purpose and no compensation whatever has been at any time received by any part of his Family for the
* Encloenre No. 1, dated Augnst 25, 1784, Published in Vol. 24, page 14. t Encloenre No. 2, dated Anguet 81, 1784, pnbliBhed in Vol. 24, page 15.
MEMORIAL OF LIEUT. COL. HENRY BIRD. 667
property so taken. In the accompanying paper No 3. is a rough sketch of the front of the property with the Fort and other Build- ings erected by Government, as also the two Houses, built by the late Lieut. Colonel Bird, and the Town of Maiden, since built by individuals, this paper was received from Capt. W. Caldwell who now resides on the adjoining farm, part of the same grant, and is well acquainted with the circumstances herein stated, as is also Sir John Caldwell Bart, of Castle Caldwell in Ireland, an old Brother officer and intimate Friend of the late Lieut. Colonel Bird ; the late Lieut Colonel Matthews, Major of Chelsea College was also a Brother officer, and intimate friend of Lieut. Colonel Bird, and was well acquainted with the whole transaction, as shewn by the accompanying paper No. 4 — the copies of two letters from him to Mr. Cooke the late under Secretary of State in the Colonial Dept. in behalf of the widow and Family of the late Lieut Colonel Bird, the originals of which as well as copies of all other papers are in the office of that Department as transmitted by him, and Sir John Caldwell in the year 1808 during the absence of Your Memorialist and his Brother on service with their Regiment, as also a memorial from Your Memorialist transmitted to the Right Honorable Lord Castlereagh in 1805, but having accompanied his Regiment immedi- ately afterwards first to Hanover and then to South America, he never heard what steps had been taken thereupon. At the death of Your Memorialist's father, he left a widow and twelve children very slen- derly provided for, and the property in Canada was left to Your Memorialist and his Brothers as a provision for them. The price of land in that Country was a Guinea an acre uncleared, the expense of clearing the two hundred acres taken by Government was very considerable, and the expense of building the two Houses, planting the Gardens and Orchards amounted to near twelve hundred pounds, as the sum remitted by Messrs. Phyn, Ellis and Inglis Merchants in London to their correspondents in Detroit for Your Memorialist's Father to defray those expenses was ,£1235 9s as may be ascertained by a reference to their Books. Your Memorialist trusts Your Lordship will kindly consider the length of time the above property has been in possession of Government without his Family receiving anything from it, that as the son of an old and meri- torious officer and who has himself, as well as his Brother devoted their lives from Boyhood to the service, their case will meet with Your Lordship's kind and favorable consideration and that they 83
658 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
may receive such remuneration as may be deemed equivalent to the property from a Government ever just and liberal in recompensing the fair claims of its servants.
Henry Bird, Lieut. Col. & Major H. P. 87th Regt.
Abergavenny. February 11th, 1818.
Endorsed:
To the Right Honorable The Earl Batharst &c. &c. &c. The Memorial of Lieut. Col. Henry Bird.
[ Q 324-2, p 271 ]
W. TAYLOR TO HENRY GOULBURN, ESQ.
R. 21.
Windsor, Feby. 20fch 1818.
Dear Sir,
Lieut Colonel Bird, on the Half Pay of the 87th Regt. having desired me to solicit the Duke of York's support of a Memorial which he wished to address to Lord Bathurst on the subject of a claim preferred by himself and his Relatives to Indemnification for some land which they possessed at the confluence of the River Detroit with Lake Erie in Upper Canada, and which was appro- priated by Government for Military purposes, I have received His Royal Highness commands to request that you will submit the Memorial in question and the accompanying enclosures to Lord Bath- urst for His Lordship's favorable consideration, and that you will represent that Lieut Colonel Bird is a very deserving officer who served with great distinction in the Peninsula and elsewhere, and who has a family to support upon very limited means. I have the Honor to be Dear Sir
Your most obedient
& faithful Servt.
W. Taylor.
Henry Goulburn, Esqr., &c. &c. &c.
[ Q 324-2, p 448 ]
RELATIVE TO THE MEMORIAL OP HENRY BIRD.
659
LETTER FROM W. TAYLOR RELATIVE TO THE MEMORIAL OF HENRY BIRD.
Kew, August 19, 1818.
Dear Sir,
In consequence of a second pressing letter which I have received from Lieut Colonel Bird, I take the liberty of reminding you of an application from Him which I was directed to forward to you in Feby last for the consideration of Lord Bathurst, for a compen- sation for the Land & Houses on his Property in North America which were applied to the use of Government. I believe that he has little more than his Half pay to live upon which will I trust form his excuse for being thus urgent. I have the Honor to be With great Regard
Dear Sir
Your Faithful
humble Servt.
W. Taylor.
[ Q 324-2, p 450 ]
LETTER FROM HENRY GOULBURN, ESQ., RELATIVE TO THE MEMORIAL OF
HENRY BIRD.
DowNG. St., Augt. 25th, 1815.
My DEAR Sir,
I have received your letter of the 19th inst. and have many apologies to offer for having so long neglected Col. Bird's applica- tion. I ought in fairness to myself however to add that the delay was partly 'occasioned by the necessity of referring to previous applications on the same subject made many years since which had then led to a considerable extent of correspondence.
The whole case however has been now cleared of its incumbrances & forwarded to the Treasury for their decision & I hope that it will not be much longer before I shall have the opportunity of communicating to you the result. Believe me
Dear Sir
Ever most faithfully yours
Henry Goulburn.
[Q 324-2, p 45L]
660 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS. j
GEORGE HARRISON TO HENRY GOULBURN, ESQ. ^ \
Sir, Treasury Chambers, 15th January 1819.
HaviDg laid before the Lords Commrs. of Hie Majesty's Treasury i
your letter dated 17th September 1818 enclosiug an application from ,
Lt Colo. Bird to be indemnified for the loss of a certain Tract of
Land in Upper Canada, the Property of his late Father, which has i
been taken possession of by Government for Military purposes; I ]
have it in command from my ^ Lords to acquaint you for the j
Information of Lord Bathurst, that after the most attentive consid- j
eration of all the circumstances attending Lieut Col. Bird's claim
my Lords regret that they cannot but consider it wholly inadmissi- j
ble particularly as it appears to be distinctly laid down in the !
letter from Sir Frederick Haldimand to Lieut Governor Hay which |
conveyed Sir Frederick's consent to the immediate occupation of the ;
Land by the officers to whom it had been granted, that a certain :
defined Portion of the same was to reserved for the Crown for the ,
purpose of establishing a Military Post, and that it is stated in thej
report of the Surveyor General that the Eeserve set apart in the ;
Tract in question comprehended what was called Captn Bird's lot. '
I am Sir i Your obet. Servt ■ H. Goulburn, Esq., &c. &c. &c. Geo. Harrison.
[ Q 326, p 48 ] i
! t
CERTIFICATE OF ADJT. GEN. N. COFFIN. '
I do hereby certify that the services of Major Givins were highly ! important to the late Major General Sir Isaac Brock in his expe- l dition against Detroit in the year 1812, not only from his activity among the Indian Tribes generally, but particularly as an Interpreter.
Major Givens continued to serve in the Indian Department dur- . ing the remainder of the War, under the Major Generals Sir R. \ H. Sheaffe, Vincent, De Rottenburg, and Lieutenant General Sir ^ Gordon Drummond, each of whom was pleased to make honorable • mention of him in sundry Despatches and General Orders written ^ by them on various affairs with the Enemy during the war. j
N. Coffin, Adjt. Genl. Militia, Upper Canada.
York, 8rd February 1819.
[ Q 326, p 24 ]
J. H. TORRENS TO HENRY GOULBURN.
661
OERTIPIOATE OF LIEUT. COL. ROBT. NICHOL.
Having been requested by Major Givens Provincial aide de camp, to the late Major General Sir Isaac Brock to account for his being omitted in a Return made to Lieut. General Sir Gordon Drummond of officers entitled (under the General order of the late commander of the Forces of April 1815) to Medals for having been present at the Eeduotion of Detroit — I certify that it arose in the first place from not recollecting at the time, his having been appointed, and from supposing he would have been included with certain officers of the Indian Department. I further certify that Major Givens name was inserted by me in a subsequent return forwarded by Lieutenant Governor Gore to be laid before the Right Honorable the Secretary for the Colonial Department.
Rob. Niohol, Lt. Colo., Q. M. General of Militia.
York, Feb. 3, 1819. [ Q 326, p 27 ]
J. H. TORRENS TO HENRY GOULBURN, ESQ.
Horse Guards, 2d April 1819.
Sir,
I have it in command from the Commander in Chief to refer to yoUj the accompanying memorial from Major General Givens, Super- intendant in His Majesty's Indian Department in York, Upper Canada, which His Royal Highness requests you will lay before Earl Bathurst, for His Lordship's consideration. I have the Honor to be Sir
Your most obedient
humble Servant
J. H. TORRENS.
Henry Goulburn, Esqr.
With four Enclosares,
[ Q 326, p 20 ]
662 COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS. j
MEMORIAL OF JAMES GIVENS. ^
To Field Marshall His Royal Highness Frederick Duke of York» '] Knight of the most noble order of the Garter, Grand Cross of
the most honorable Military Order of the Bath, Commander in ;
Chief of all His Majesty's Forces, &c. &c. &c. 1
The Memorial of Major James Givins Superintendant in Hi& '
Majesty's Indian Department in York, Upper Canada. ,
Humbly Sheweth, i
That Your Memorialist was a superintendant in the said Depart- |
ment at the commencement of the late war between His Majesty |
and the United States of America. That he accompanied the late ■
Major General Sir Isaac Brock in the expedition against Detroit |
and was appointed one of his Provincial Aids de Camp, with the '
rank of Major in the Militia, two days previous to the capture of {
that place. An extract from the General order to that effect Your 1
Memorialist transmits herewith, as also one from the General Order j issued by the Major General on the capture of Detroit.
That Your Memorialist was actively employed during the remain-^ j
der of the war will appear by two certificates herewith transmitted. >
Your Memorialist having learned that His Royal Highness the ;
Prince Regent has been graciously pleased to bestow medals upon i
two officers of the Provincial Staff of the late Sir Isaac Brook who ,
were present at the Reduction of Detroit, namely, Lt. Colonel i
MoDonall, Aide de camp, and Lt Colonel Nicholl, Quarter Master |
General, and it being ascertained that Your Memorialist's name not \
appearing in the list of those officers recommended by the late Sir \
George Prevost, was owing to an omission of the Quarter Master j
General of Militifl, Lieutenant Colonel Nicholl, who drew up and i
transmitted the list of the Staff to be recommended for medals j
upon that occasion, as his certificates herewith transmitted will shew. ■
Your Memorialist therefore prays that Your Royal Highness will '
be graciously pleased to recommend him to the favorable consider- ]
ation of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent. |
And Your Memorialist will ever pray. \
J. GiVENS. I
[ Q 326, p 21 ] J
MEMORIAL OF JOHN JOHNSTON.
663
MEMORIAL OF JOHN JOHNSTON.
To the Eight Honorable the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury, &o. &g. &c.
The Memorial of John Johnston of St Mary's Falls in the Prov- ince of Upper Canada. Humbly sheweth,
That Your Memorialist at the commencement of the late war with the United States of America by order of the late General Sir Isaac Brock raised a company of Volunteer Militia and joined Cap- tain Eoberts of the 10th Royal Veteran Battalion then commanding at Fort St. Joseph in the Western District of Upper Canada.
That in the month of July 1812 Your Memorialist with his afore- said company of Volunteers assisted Captain Roberts in the capture of the Post of Miohilimackinac then in possession of the United States of America, and Your Memorialist's absence from home on that occasion and the consequent abandonment of his affairs was pro- ductive of very considerable losses to your Memorialist,
That your Memorialist in the month of July 1S14 commanded a company of Militia at Michilimakinac during the Blockade of the Port and Island by a Fleet and Army of the United States of America, and when Lieutenant Colonel McDonall entered the field against the Enemy who had landed on the extremity of the Island the command of the Fort was entrusted during his absence to Your Memorialist,
That during Your Memorialist's absence from home on the last mentioned service a detachment of one hundred and fifty men with two field pieces under the command of Major Holmes of the Army of the United States of America] invaded St Mary's Falls and plun- dered and destroyed the property of Your Memorialist to the amount specified in the statement of Your Memorialist's losses now before Your Lordship and which was in the year 1816 forwarded by Lieu- tenant Governor Gore to Earl Bathurst.
Wherefore Your Memorialist humbly prays that Your Lordships will be pleased to take his case into consideration and afford such relief as to Your Lordships in your wisdom shall seem meet. And Your Memorialist as in Duty Bound will ever pray.
John Johnston.
London, 22d Deer. 1819.
Endorsed: 25705.
[ Q 326, p 55 ]
€64
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
CERTIFICATE OF LIEUT. COL. ROBT. MC DONALL.
Strauraer, 27 Decern. 1819.
I do hereby certify that on the appearance of the American Squadron commanded by Commodore Sinclair, with the Troops for the attack of Miohilimackinao in July 1814, I found it necessary to call out and embody two companys of Militia to assist in repelling the same, and that John Johnston Esqr. of the Sault St Mary's, Upper Canada, having most handsomely volunteered his services to command one of the companys, was accordingly appointed by me Captain thereof, and in that capacity served at their head, & assisted in the repulse and defeat of the Enemy on the 4th of August.
I also certify that the spirited example thus set by Mr. Johnston, had the happiest effects in exciting a proper spirit of emulation among the other officers & men of the aforesaid Militia, which was of the greater consequence as the Garrison, at that particular moment was much weakened by the force a short time before detached from it against Fort Shelby on the Mississippi, under Lt. Col. McKay.
I do further certify that while the aforesaid John Johnson Esqr was thus occupied in the defence of Michilimackinac, the Americans detached a portion of his force to his residence at the Sault of St Marys, & plundered his store of all the goods laid in for carrying on the Fur Trade, and his house, even of his furniture and clothes. This great misfortune was probably occasioned, or at least aggra- vated, by the knowledge which the Enemy possessed, that Mr. Johnson was then absent and serving in the Militia against them ; but for which circumstance I am of opinion, that he might have been enabled to secret and secure the greater part of his property. I have to add, that on my stating his services, & losses in conse- quence, to Sir George Prevost, and subsequently to Sir Gordon Drumraond, I was instructed to assure him that the strongest repre- sentations would be made to His Majesty's Government of the extreme hardship of his case, and of his claims to remuneration.
Kt. McDonall, Lt. Col. in 1814, Comg. Michilimackinac & Dependencies.
[ Q 326, p 58 ]
JOHN GALT TO THE TREASURY COMMISSIONERS.
665
letter from john johnston.
Golden Cross, Charing Cross, Downing Street, Jany 23rd.
BiR,
I was iDformed by my friend Mr. McNaughten that the papers relative to my losses at St Marys Falls Upper Canada, would be returned from the Treasury to this oflSce, with a request from the Lords that my Lord Bathurst would condescend to take them under his consideration and make the result known to me in what manner his Lordship might think fit to point out. I have the honor of inclosing a certificate from Lt. Col. MoDonall which I request you will have the goodness to lay before his Lordship that you would confer a lasting obligation by imparting to me his Lordship's decision.
I have the honor to remain with the highest respect Sir Your most humble Servt
John Johnston.
[ Q 326, p 121 ]
john galt to the commissioners of the treasury.
32 Tavistock Place, My Lord, , Russell Square, July 25th, 1821.
I have to acknowledge the receipt of Mr. Harrison's letter of yesterday, and as in so far as the claims in the course of liquida- tion are selected from the Report, the decision of Your Lordships must be satisfactory, and I doubt not, considering the time that was elapsed, interest will be allowed on the debts. But unless I am misinformed these claims form a very small portion of those which the Commissioners admitted as supported on good evidence. Your Lordships are also pleased to refer to the communication of the 12th of June in which it is stated that under the present circum- stances and situation of the Country '*Your Lordships do not feel justified in recommending to Parliament any grant of public money on account of these claims" [upon that decision Your Lordships will allow me to make two observations.
In the first place the Claimants will not consider it as a refusal, nor can Your Lordships mean it to be ought else than what in 8i
666
COLONIAL. OFFICE RECORDS.
mercantile language an embarrassed debtor calls "asking time; and in the second, I apprehend that the whole case of the Canadians has not been considered, but only the brief matters of the Report and its arithmetical appendix of accounts, for of six classes of claims, the Governor's proclamation of the 19 April 1821, with the most liberal construction will embrace only the first. I trust therefore that I shall be allowed to enter somewhat particularly into the merits of this case, and to recall to the remembrance of Your Lordships under what circumstances and in what situation of the County, the claims originated for I would impress upon Your Lord- ships that the case of the Canadian Claimants is, not only similar to every other in which indemnity has ever been granted, but possesses peculiar merits such indeed as His Majesty's Government must all times regard in the most favourable manner.
Your Lordships will recollect that the war, which occasioned the operations in Upper Canada arose out of certain abstract rights that effected the security of the State at home, and not in any local cause or Colonial interest, and Your Lordships know that the Prov- ince, in consequence of Mr. Foster the British Ministers at Wash- ington, being unable to penetrate the American designs of the American Cabinet was allowed, unfortunately by Government, to remain in the most defenceless and neglected condition. No steps had been taken to repair the strongholds or to strengthen the Gar- risons, Fort George and Amherstburgh were as they had been left by Sir J. W. Craig, dismantled and in, a state of ruin. The Troops in the Province consisted of
200 Royal Veterans 36 Royal Artillery
900 41st Regt.
400 Newfoundland Regt. 50 Provincial Seamen
The mere peace establishment, and barely sufficient for the usual purposes of parade duty, and to preserve from theft the small stock of public stores at the different Posts.
Your Lordship also knows that a mercantile express brought the first news of the declaration of war to Sir Isaac Brock, the Gov- ernor, and a fortnight elapsed before His Excellency received any official intelligence ^on the subject. In such circumstances, so remote and so neglected, the Province would have been lost but for the spirited loyalty of the Inhabitants, and it is unnecessary to remind
JOHN GALT TO THE TREASURY COMMISSIONERS.
667
Your Lordship that by their zeal, cooperation, sacrifices and personat exertions in the field four well appointed American Armies, each of them superior in numerical strength to the whole regular force in the Province were destroyed or defeated, and forty pieces of Cannon taken, during the first Campaign. I speak My Lords of General Hull's consisting of 2700 killed and prisoners at Detroit, of General Renselloirs (sic) of 3000 of whom 1200 were killed; and taken at Queenstown; of Genl. Smyth's of 4500 defeated at Fort Erie, and of the defeat of General Winchester when the Americans lost about 1000 men — all effected by this means and assistance of the Claimants, whose merits must appear the more eminent, as Your Lordships will remember that the defence of the Province was considered hopeless by the Governor of Lower Canada. At the very time when Sir Isaac Brock, seconded by the loyal population was advancing against General Hull at Detroit it will be recollected that Sir George Prevost was actually negociating through Colonel Bayne's an armistice, which had it been concluded prior to the surrender of Hull would have been a virtual abandonment of Upper Canada ta the Americans, I speak on this point with great confidence for Sir George Prevost deemed Quebec and Lower Canada in such danger that he actually wrote to Sir Isaac Brock in terms almost precisely these "Nothing could give me greater pain than to hear of your acting offensively — I expect to be attacked and in such an event you may make a flank movement in my favour, "that is, "abandon your own province to the Enemy, for I do not think you are able to save it," Fortunately however by the promptitude with which the claimants had enabled Sir Isaac Brock to take the Field, the capture of General Hull's Army & the conquest of the Michigan, territory was atchieved nearly as soon as the notification of his advancing reached Quebec. On his return from that spirited enterprize, the success of which decided the whole character of the war, Sir Isaac met at Niagara, the oflacer. Captain Fulton, whom Sir George Pre- vost had dispatched to countermand the expedition.
It was in these events and in the circumstances connected with them, that the claims which I have the honour to advocate origi- nated, and that they merit the most liberal consideration will not be denied; For three years My Lords, the Inhabitants of Upper Canada, by the defenceless condition in which they had been left exposed to the whole bruit of the American force, displayed as Your Lordships well know, the most heroic devotion to His Majesty
668
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
Oovernment under every temptation to revolt, although principles of policy alone occasioned their sufferings and their dangers. They were indefatigable in the field; they witnessed without complaint the burning of their homes, the devastation of their estates and their families driven to extreme misery. Their hope, in the midst of their privations and calamities, was in the justice of the paternal state, nor could they doubt, although for a time it had seemingly neglected them, that they were less the objects of it's regard, than the Portugese and the Germans, who in some respects may be said to have resembled them iia misfortunes, but who had certainly not one single pretension to be classed with them in services, not even in defence of their own countries, far less for objects so exclusively British as the maritime rights which the Americans disputed. And yet, My Lords, are they to be told that their claims are not now deserving of any consideration except where it can be shown that they are debts regularly contracted with regular officers according to regular forms. Surely when such a determination was taken by Your Lordships the circumstances to which I have alluded must have been forgotten. There were few regular officers on the spot the parties were unacquainted with the very nature of the regular proceedings in cases of such sudden invasion, the Governor himself had no regular authority for commencing hostilities. The whole proceedings, including the splendid atcbievement at Detroit, sprung from the impulse of the moment. They were altogether extra-official and it is unjust, after the most essential advantages have been obtained by them, to judge the details by which the service was performed as if the whole had been governed by the providence of offl^ce. It would be quite as much to the purpose. My Lord, to take the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown as to whether the zeal and loyalty of the Canadians were more or less than was required of them as subjects, in order to determine how far, instead of being entitled to remuneration, they may not be liable to be still further mulcted. I say not this lightly, but gravely & advisedly, for Your Lordships know & have the means of knowing that the Commissioners appointed to investigate the claims did lay it down as a rule, That the claims of persons suspected of political disaffec- tion should be rejected. I do not however lay any particular stress upon this most extraordinary rule, I only advert to it to remind Your Lordship, with what vigor & jealousy the claims were investi- gated and to shew my own authority for stating that the account
JOHN GALT TO THE TREASURY COMMISSIONERS.
669
of claims admitted by the Commissioners as suflBoieDtly established belong entirely to what may be called the most meritorious subjects in the Province.
But it is objected to these claims that they are for indemnity, and that Government cannot indemnify the subject for the suffer- ings to which they may be exposed, by the casualties of war. This is perhaps an expedient maxim of office, but protection is as much a duty on the one side, as allegiance is on the other, and the protection of the Canadians was unquestionably so neglected that it is but fair and just they should be indemnified for the consequences, the more especially as the war in which their claim& originated was one of national policy, respecting which did not affect them in particular, but concerned the whole empire, and the United Kingdom above every other part; the more especially too, as the claims rendered services which could not have been per> formed by the means of Government in a better manner not at less expence.
But My Lords, the claims are not for indemnity, the greater number are substantially of the nature of debts, though not con- tracted according to certain official regulations. Were they how- ever, as Your Lordships seem to have supposed, all for indemnity, still they ought to be remunerated, for as I have already observed they comprehend, independent of their own peculiar merits, circum- stances in all respects similar to every other in which indemnity has ever been granted.
In the 'case for example of the inhabitants of St. Christopher & Navies in the Reign of Queen Anne when £ 100,003 lis 4 d was given, the money was advanced expressly to repair the damages- which the plantations had sustained by an invasion of the French. The Plantations & houses of the Canadians were laid waste by an invasion of the enemy and also for military purposes by the King's Troops.
In the case of Glasgow in 1749 the House of Commons voted £ 10,000 to indemnify that city for certain contributions levied by a rebel army. The Canadians claim for contributions furnished to the King's Army and the public service.
In the American war the following classes of Claimants were admitted to rank for indemnity from the commencement of hostilities.
I " Loyalists who have rendered services to Great Britain. All the Canadian Claimants have rendered services to Great Britain.
670
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
II Loyalists who have boroe arms in the services of Great Britain." The greater number of the Canadian Claimants have borne arms in the service of Great Britain.
"Ill Loyalists, zealous and uniform in their Loyalty." All the Canadian Claimants are such for the Commissioners rejected the Claims of every individual to whom disaffection was only imputed.
"IV Loyal Subjects in Great Britain," none such are among the Canadian Claimants, they were all on the spot & involved in the vicissitudes of the war.
"V Loyalists who took oaths to the American States but afterwards joined the British. There are no such double traitors among the Canadian Claimants.
" VI Loyalists who bore Arms for the Americans but afterwards joined the British" persons of this description were, in the first instance, punished in Upper Canada by the immediate forfeiture of iheir estates, banished and not again permitted to enter the Province.
"VII Loyalists sustaining losses under the prohibiting act. " The Canadians have no such vague claims.
VIII Loyal British Proprietors" All the Canadian Claimants are Loyal British Proprietors.
" IX Loyalists subjects or settled inhabitants of the United States -some of whom are persons of great merit and have met with pecu- liar hardship." There are at present none among the Canadian Claimants nor likely to be: unless the Province shall, in some future war be compelled by neglect and the natural resentment of unre- quited merit to unite itself to the American States. And My Lords it appears by an account presented to the House of Commons on the first of April 1790, that to these American Claimants grants had from time to time been made to the extent of no less than XI, 917,238 3s and annual pensions paid to the amount of <£25,785 besides annual allowances to widows and orphans of merchants &o. — of merchants. My Lords, of 28,673. And I have to remark that these grants were made on the reports of Cjmmisgionera, similar to those of Upper Canada, "appointed to inquire into the losses sus- tained by His Majesty's Loyal subjects either by famishing Provi- sions and other necessary articles for the service of His Majesty's Navy or Army in America during the hte war or by having their property used, seized or destroyed for carrying on the public service there" — My Lords this conduct of Government with respect to those
JOHN GALT TO THE TREASURY COMMISSIONERS.
671
losses is perhaps the only part of the policy of that period which can be proposed to the invitation of posterity and it cannot fail to strike Your Lordships, that as it commenced with the rebellion, was continued throughout the war, and has been acted upon even in the very last session of Parliament, it furnished and does continue to furnish a principle upon which the subjects of His Majesty must naturally place the greatest reliance; for it teachea them to adhere in all circumstances to their allegiance being an assurance to them that they will be indemnified for the losses they may in consequence sustain. Is this ancient paternal policy of England, this judicious principle of natural justice to be violated and abrogated in the case of the Canadian Claimants; or is th^ir case to be considered as an exception to a general rule. I have heard it indeed remarked that the cases of indemnity which I have quoted are all exceptions to the rule, of not indemnifying subjects for the casualties of war, But the rule does not apply to such cases, and the Canadian Claims are not so much for indemnity as for remuneration. The Canadian case in fact falls under an acknowledged principle of the domestic policy of the empire cleaidy set forth in the preamble to the Gen- eral Defence Act, 43 George 3 Chap. 55, to which I entreat Your Lordships attention. As a general principle it cannot be qaestioned that the public is bound to grant indemnity on account of sacrifices for the public good in times of alarm. The Canadian Claims ai;e of this description, and they should not be considered the less favourably because unlike those of the American Loyalists, the pur- poses for which the sacrifices were made, proved so eminently suc- cessful in so distant a Province as Upper Canada, to which access with the materials of war is so diflScult, the surest defence is in the affection of the people, and when Your Lordships compare the result of the services which gave rise to the Canadian claims, with the expences to which the State has since been exposed by the "transportation of stores, and the frames of vessels and ordnances above the Falls of Niagara, with the continued subsequent outlay for new fortifications & barracks, each of which has become a monument reminding the inhabitants of their neglected claims it is impossible to doubt that Government can refuse, even though the circumstances of the Country were ten times worse than they really are, to recommend this case to the consideration of Parliament, before which it must indeed be brought, and Your Lordships might as well expect to silence the Falls of Niagara by a Treasury minute
672
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
as to stifle the CaDadian claims by adhering to your answers of the 12 June. These claims I beg leave to repeat consist of the six following classes and the first, the only one which is in a train of liquidation, is the smallest.
I Direct demands against Government for supplies.
II Destruction of property by order of His Majesty's Generals to prevent its becoming useful to the Enemy.
III Distruction by the Enemy from its having been occupied or used for Military purposes.
IV Destruction of property by accident while in possession of the King's Troops.
V Distruction of property by the Enemy to prevent its being made use of in defence of the Province.
VI Destruction of property from irregularities of the soldiery &, of the Indians acting with them.
I have the Honor to be
My Lord
Your Lordship's
m(^t obedient
humble Servant
John Galt.
To the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury, &c. <fec. &c.
Endorsed: 25 Jaiy, 1821.
Mr. Gait, far. in regd, to the Canadian claims. No. 14287. Ec. 30th July, 1821.
[ Q 332-2, p 312 ]
CERTIFICATE THAT JOHN MC DONNELL IS A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES.
Territory of Michigan, Clerk of the Supreme Court's OflSoe.
This is to certify, that it appears of record in this office, that John McDonnell applied to be made a Citizen of the United States of America, on the twenty fourth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & ten.
And this is farther to certify that it does also appear in & by the Records aforesaid, that the said John McDonnell, on the tenth day of May in the year aforesaid, appeared in open Court & did then and there in due form of Law renounce for ever all allegiance & fidelity to any Foreign Prince, Potentate, State or Sovereignty
GOVERNOR CASS TO SECRETARY OP STATE ADAMS.
673
whatever & particularly to His Majesty George the Third King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Ireland of whom he had heretofore been a subject. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my name, with the seal of the supreme court aforesaid on this fourth day of Decemr. in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty two.
Jeeemiah Y. R. TenEyck, [ Q 33^, p 17 ] Dep. Clerk S. 0. T. M.
GOV. LEWIS OASS TO JOHN ADAMS, SECRETARY OF STATE.
Governor Cass to the Secretary of State.
Washington, Deer. 29th, 1822.
Sir,
I have the honor to submit for your consideration a statement of the situation of John McDonnell Esqr. a respectable Citzen of the Territory of Michigan, and a Judge of one of the Territorial Courts.
Mr. McDonnell is a native of Scotland, from whence he emigrated with his father at the early age of five years. The family settled in Albany, where they continued for nine years, till misfortune compelled them to remove to Canada where some of their near connexion resided. From Canada Mr. McDonnell removed in 1810 to Detroit where he has since lived.
At the commencement of the late war, with Great Britain, like all the other Inhabitants of the Territory, he was called to arms, & acted in defence of the Country, untill its surrender by the Capitulation of Detroit. On the re-occupation of the Territory by the American Troops & the re-organization of the Government, in 1818 he was appointed an officer in the Militia 8z as such in 1814 accompanied a Detachment of our Troops in an expedition into Upper Canada.
Owing to circumstances, not necessary to particularize in this communication, a strong personal feeling was excited in the mind of Col. James the British Commanding Officer, who reoccupied the Western District of Upper Canada, on its evacuation by the Amer- ican Troops, after the Treaty of Ghent, unfavorable to Mr. McDon- nell. His wife's connexions live in that part of the province lying upon the Detroit Kiver, and of course an intercourse with them
was desirable.
85
674
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
The sentiments of Col. James respecting Mr. MaoDonell had been publickly disclosed & previous to crossing the Eiver he consulted with Col. Butler, the commanding officer of the American Troops at Detroit. The latter conceived there would be no danger to his personal safety & so informed him.
He made his intended visit, was arrested, confined in irons, & escaped. Afterwards an indictment was found against him, which has since been prosecuted, to outlawry, & in this situation the proceedings now remain. All personal intercourse with his friends in Upper Canada is cut off. He is anxious that the President should interpose his good offices with the British Government to procure from them instructions to the Canadian Authorities to reverse the outlawry & dismiss the prosecution against him, I trust that this procedure will be adopted & I cannot doubt for a moment, but that it will be effectual.
His arrest and prosecution took place upon a remote frontier, immediately after the termination of the war, while its events and the feelings excited by it were fresh in the recollection of all.
The storm fell heavily in that quarter, & as its effects were ruinous to the peace and prosperity so were they exacerbating to the feelings of the community divided by the Detroit Strait.
Had time been given for cool reflection, & had nnt the com- manding officer with his preponderating authority interfered, it is not probable, that this Individual would have been selected for so severe an ordeal.
No other prosecution of a similar nature has been instituted in that Country, nor has any Individual who lived in Upper Canada, at the commencement of the late war, & who once owed allegiance to the United States been prosecuted in the Courts of the Territory of Michigan for any act connected with the war, & this, not because there were no persons in that situation, who afterwards fell into our power, for many native Citizens of the United States, and residents in Canada, accompanied General Brook in the Expedition, which led to the surrender of Detroit, and from an indisposition to add individual suffering to general misery, & from a wish to avoid giving practical effect to a principle more frequently claimed and defended, than acted on.
Surely in this case, Justice does not demand this sacrifice, nor would there be either policy or magnanimity in making an example of an unimportant individual so long after the feelings connected with
RICHARD RUSH TO GEORGE CANNING.
675
his conduct have subsided, & that too, when no instance of a sim- ilar prosecution can be found in the history of the two Countries.
The Courts of the Territory of Michigan furnish a precedent of an interposition by the British Government, analagous in principle to the application herein made.
In August 1815, Lieut Vidal of the British Navy, landed in that territory with a party of armed seamen from a British Vessel com- manded by Commodore Owen. He seized and sent on board two deserters, but was himself apprehended, tried, convicted & sentenced for the offence, application was made by Commodore Owen to the British Ambassador, by whom the case was submitted to our Government.
A pardon was in consequence granted by the President to Lieut Vidal,
I enclose a certificate of the application made by Mr. McDonnell agreeably to the Laws of the United States for naturalization in 1810.
The principle facts stated in this communication are within my own knowledge & all of them I believe will be found strictly correct.
I ought not to conceal that I feel a warm interest for the person, whose situation has occasioned this application. An interest founded on an intimate knowledge of his character, conduct and sufferings & I confidently look forward to a favorable result.
I am &c. &c. &c. ,
Lew. Cass.
Honble. J. J. Adams, Sec'y of State. [ Q 334, p 18 ]
EICHARD RUSH TO HON. GEORGE CANNING.
The undersigned, envoy extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States, has the honor to enclose to Mr. Secretary Canning a copy of a letter, addressed by Governor Lewis Cass, to the Secretary of State, dated Washington Deer 29, the object of which is to request that the Government of the United States would interpose its offices with the Government of His Brittannic Majesty to obtain the reversal of certain proceedings of outlawry which have been had in Upper Canada against John McDonnell,
676
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
a citizen of the United States, & a judge of one of the Coarts in the Territory of Michigan; & the under signed has accordingly been instructed to ask that the authority of His Majesty's Govern- ment may accordingly be interposed to that effect.
It appears from the letter of Governor Cass, that Mr. McDonnell although a native of Scotland, came at a very early age to the United States, of which notwithstanding an intermediate interruption of his residence there, he claims to be a Citizen, that in 1814, having accompanied a detachment of American Troops in an Expedition into Upper Canada, he was whilst on a visit to some family connexions living in that part of the Province; & after the termination of the war, arrested and put in irons, but that making his escape, the outlawry in question was prosecuted & still remains in force against him, cutting him off until this day from all intercourse with His Majesty's territories in that quarter.
The undersigned abstains from entering further into the particulars of the above case, begging to refer to the letter of Govrc Cass, where they are stated; and he contents himself with the repression of a hope, that Mr. Canning, waving other considerations, will per- ceive a just ground for the interference requested, in the spirit of reciprocity which will doubtless be recognized as applicable to the case, when amongst the other particulars, mentioned by Governor Cafs, it will be seen that the Government of the United States has iteslf been in the habit of acting towards the subjects of His Majesty — imitatis mutandis, upon the principle which in turn it now invokes in behalf of Mr. McDonnell. In appealing to this recipro- city the under signed feels assured that he holds up a principle which both Governments are desirous of cherishing & in nothing more than when it can be made instrumental towards abating any of the general miseries of war in favor of personal & domestic life.
The undersigned avails himself of this opportunity to tender to Mr. Canning the assurances of his distinguished consideration.
Richard Rush,
February 27, 1823. 41 Edwards St., Foley Place.
Rt. Hon. George Canning, <&:c. &c. &c.
Elndorsed :
Copy of a letter from Mr. Rash to Mr. Canning, rel. to Mr. J. McDonnell.
[ Q 334, p 14 1
MESSRS. ROBINSON, GRIFFIN AND COPLEY TO EARL BATHURST. 677
LOBD FRANCIS CONYNGHAM TO R. WILMOT, ESQ.
Foreign Office, 5th March 1823.
Sir,
I am directed by Mr. Secretary Canning to transmit to you for the consideration of Lord Bathurst the accompanying copy of a note which has been addressed to him by the American Minister in this Country (together with its enclosures) soliciting, by desire of his Government, the Revocation of certain proceedings of Out- lawry which have been passed in Upper Canada against John McDonnell, a citizen of the United States.
I am Sir
Your most obedt. Servant
Francis Conyngham.
R. Wilmot, Esqr., &c. &g. &c. [ Q 334, p 13 ]
CHRISTO ROBINSON, WM. GRIFFIN AND J. S. COPLEY TO EARL BATHURST.
Doctors Commons, 15th May 1823.
My Lord,
We are honored with Your Lordships commands of the 3rd Instant, transmitting a Letter from Lord Francis Conyngham inclosing a copy of a note which has been addressed to Mr. Secretary Canning by the American Minister in this Country requesting that certain pro- ceedings of Outlawry which have been passed in Upper Canada against John McDonnell may be revoked.
And Your Lordship is pleased to request that we would take the same into consideration and report to Your Lordship our opinion, as to the steps necessary to be pursued in the event of His Majesty deeming it expedient to comply with the application of the American Government.
In obedience to Your Lordships commands, we have the honor to report that in the event of His Majesty deeming it expedient to comply with the application of the American Government, the effect of the outlawry against John McDonnell, the legality of which, does not appear to be questionable, may be removed, either by a noli prosequi being entered upon the indictment, by the Attorney Gen-
678
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
eral of the Province, on the part of His Majesty, or by a general pardon to be granted to Mr. McDonnell. We have the honor to be My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obedient
humble servants
Christo Kobinson, Wm. Griffin, J. S. Copley.
To The Earl Bathurst, &c. &c. &c. [ Q 334, p 30 ]
MEMORIAL OF LIEUT. COL. HENRY BIRD.
To the Right Honorable the Earl Bathurst principal Secretary of State for the Colonial Department &o. &o. &c. &c.
The Memorial of Lieut Colonel Henry Bird of the 16th Eegiment of foot, sheweth that in a reply to a Memorial transmitted to Your Lordship, with the recommendation of His Royal Highness the Duke of York, in February 1818 accompanied by several papers and documents in explanation, your memorialist received a communica- tion from the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury, thro' Henry Goulborne, Esqr. stating that their Lordships considered the claim therein made as inadmissible on the ground " that it appears " laid down in the letter from Sir Frederick Haldimand to Lieut " Governor Hay, which conveyed Sir F. Haldimand 's consent to the " immediate occupation of the Land of the Officers to whom it had " been granted, that a certain defined portion of it was to be reserved " for the crown, and that in the Surveyor General's report it is stated "the reserve set apart comprehended Captain Bird's Lot."
In reply to this Your Memorialist had the honor to transmit a statement to their Lordships endeavouring to explain what he deemed a misconception with regard to the particular grant in question, which was one made by the Indian Nations, in the year 1784, and to the entire and immediate occupation of which no objection was made on the part of Government. Your Memorialist apprehended the reservation made by Sir F. Haldimand referred to a subsequent
MEMORIAL OP LIEUT. COL. HENRY BIRD.
679
Grant made by the British Government to officers and men who had served in the Indian Department, which latter grant was adjoining the former one made by the Indian Nations. Your Memorialist is not aware that any reservation was made with regard to the Indian Grant of 1784, and is certain that no particular portion of that Grant was defined or marked out as intended to be taken by the Crown before the year 1787, at which time Lieut Colonel Mathews then commanding in Upper Canada was directed to look out for proper situations to erect Military posts in lieu of those to be given up to the Americans, and he /Am J pointed out part of the Lot granted to Your Memorialiet's Father as the most suitable position for a Fort to protect the en trance of the Detroit Eiver, his recom- mendaton was adopted by the Surveyor General or Chief Engineer and Fort Amherstberg erected thereon in the year 1796-7. Thus Your Memorialist's Father had quiet and entire possession of the grant for three years before he knew that any part of it would be required by the Crown, and during that period, indeed in the year 1784, as soon as he got possession of it, he cleared about two hundred acres of the same, erected two Dwelling Houses on it, planted and fenced Gardens and Orchards &o. <fec. at an expense of nearly ^1200; and it is clear, had he entertained an idea of Gov- ernment at any time taking it no man of common sense would have expended so large a sum in clearing and building on it. When it was taken Government found it ready cleared, and two good Houses on it, one of which was till lately (and your memo- rialist believes still is) the residence of the Chief Engineer, or Officer Commanding the Artillery, the other was either the residence of the Barrack Master or converted into a Government Store. Sup- posing Your Memorialist were even to lay aside his claim to remu- neration for the Land, itself or allowing even that Government had the right to take it without such remuneration, surely even then He would be entitled to be repaid the expense of clearing it, (which must otherwise have been done at the public charge), as well as to payment for the Houses and buildings taken possession of by, and actually in occupation of Government at this moment, as they have been for twenty-seven years from the year 1796 to the present time.
It may appear that considerable neglect occurred on the part of Your Memorialist's Father in not applying to Government as soon as the property was taken, but Your Memorialist begs to state, as
680
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS.
that did occur till the year 1796 his Father did not hear of it till the followiDg year, and it was then necessary to get a more clear and regular account from Upper Canada that he at first received (which was merely a complaint from the persons he allowed to live in the Houses, that they had been dispossessed of them, as well as all the Land that was cleared) but before he had time to get the information he required, he joined his regiment (the 54th) in Ireland at the time the Eebellion was scarcely quelled, he imme- diately afterwards embarked for Foreign Service, and died on the Expedition, under the command of Sir Kalph Abercrombie, leaving this property in America by his will as the only provision for Your Memorialist and his Brother. ' Your Memorialist was then too young and inexperienced to know the proper mode of applying for remu- neration, and being shortly after appointed to the Fifth Kegt. he joined it immediately. In the year 1805 he transmitted a memorial to Lord Castlereagh on the subject, but going on service imme- diately, the application was necessarily not followed up; In 1806 he went with his [Eegiment to South America, very soon after his return in 1808 he accompanied his Kegiment with the first Troops to the Peninsula, shortly after his return with the remains of Sir elohn -Tohnson's Army he went with the Eegiment to Walcheren, and afterwards with it again to the Peninsula, where it remained to the end of the war.
During Your Memorialist's absence from England on Service some of his Father's friends presented Memorials to Lord Castlereagh on behalf of the family generally, (this having been done in 1808, by Lieut Colonel Matthews and Sir John Caldwell Bart, both perfectly well acquainted with all the circumstances of the case from having been on the spot, at the time, an offer was made from the Treasury of 1200 Dollars as a compensation for the Land taken by Govern- ment, but as these gentlemen, deemed this sum totally inadequate to the value of the property (tho' perhaps equal to that of the Land without the buildings and improvements on it) they declined accept- ing it for the family; and thus the business has rested till Your Memorialist's first application to Your Lordship since the peace in February 1818.
Your Memorialist earnestly prays Your Lordship to take the hard- ship of his case into your favorable consideration seeing that he has been dispossessed of 200 acres of cleared Land which was in a thriving state, that he has also been dispossessed of two Dwell-
MEMORIAL OP LIEUT. COL. HENRY BIRD. 681
ing Houses erected thereon at a very great expense, which were taken by Government and have been occupied by its servants for twenty seven years or upwards, and are still so occupied; that Your Memorialist has never received any compensation or remuneration for the Land or Houses so taken; That his claim to such com- pensation has been fully recognized and acknowledged by an offer from the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury in the year 1808 of 1200 Dollars for the Land so taken, but such sum being totally inadequate to the value of the Buildings before men- tioned your memorialist humbly entreats Your Lordship to recom- mend such remuneration as Your Lordship may deem equivalent to the value of the property he has lost, and the length of time he has been deprived of it. Your Memorialist begs to state his pres- ent distressed situation; being appointed to a Eegiment in Ceylon he is obliged to leave a wife and five children in England having no income by which he can provide for them but what arises from his commission, and looking entirely to the kind consideration of Your Lordship, and the justice and liberality of the Government he has served with zeal from Boyhood for the means of enabling him to fit himself out and join his Regiment without leaving his Family in want. Your Lordship's favorable determination on his case will confer a most essential obligation on Your Memorialist and ever ensure the gratitude of
Your Lordship's,
most obedient
humble Servant
Heney Bird, Lieut. Col. & Major 16th Foot.
London, March 20tli, 1823.
[ Q 311-2, p 398 ]
86
HAI.DIMAJND PAPERS.
GEN. FREDERICK HALDIMAND TO BRIG. GEN. H. WATSON POWELL.
Quebec, 6th Jan. 1781.
Sir,
I have waited the return of Capt. La Force to acknowledge the receipt of your letters dated the 10th and 18th of November. The fatal accident conjectured in the former and confirmed in the latter is the cause of great concern to me and cannot fail to embarrass the service in that quarter, where it is already too complicated and opposed by difficulties.
I am however much relieved by reflecting that there is an officer upon the spot in whose zeal activity & attention I have the utmost dependance, and who I rest assured will exert every ["power to repair the loss the service has sustained, it will be most felt in the naval Department. Upon hearing of the misfortune I immediately sent off the master builder with a few Carpenters to Carleton Island with full directions arranged by Capt. Schanks to repair the Haldi- mand and replace the Ontario with all possible expedition.
Captain Eraser had very prudently set about preparing Timber for these works, and from the diligence of Mr. Coleman, I hope there will not be any material delay in the Transport across the Lake, as soon as it becomes navigable.
I am more alarmed at what you may suft'er from want of provi- sions before that time.
Sir John Johnson's Expedition and the loss of the Ontario hav- ing thrown the Transport so far back in the Fall and I am no stranger to the little consideration the Indians have for exigencies of the kind tho' I am at the same time persuaded their wants are great. To your circumstances and prudence I refer you for an answer and a paragraph of your letter desiring to know if the
GENERAL HALDIMAND TO GENERAL POWELL.
683
allowance of the Indians should be augmented in times of plenty, as they are reduced in those of scarcity.
The Fall Fleet not arriving and the possibility of supplies being intercepted on their way to us in the Spring is very distressing and makes a rigid (Economy absolutely necessary without consider- ing the expediency of it in another view equally urgent.
The probability of the Enemy directing their views against this Province which my letter of this date and others you will hereafter receive will more fully explain to you. Your remarks upon the obstructions to the service by the divided rank of the naval officers are very just and shall be rectified, the former arrrangement was merely to make matters easy to Capt. La Force, and at the same time to carry on the active service to the best advantage under Capt. Andrews. I have for the present appointed the former to the command it was unavoidable, but I fear that altho' a worthy good man, his time of life will render him unfit to carry on a service which requires unremitting activity and attention.
I received the Papers &c taken at the Miamis and forwarded by you to Major De Peyster. The miscarriage of that Enterprize was a most fortunate event, as it has put us on our guard against one of greater consequence, frustrated the hopes of the disaffected Cana- dians and confirmed the wavering Miamis Indians in our Interest.
You will of course communicate to Major De Peyster every piece of Intelligence you may hear, that can in any shape concern that quarter with whatever orders you may in Consequence think neces- sary. Inclosed is a letter for him which you will forward by the first opportunity.
I am &c
(Signed)
Fred Haldimand To Brig. Genl. Powell Commanding at Niagara of the 6th January.
[ B 104, p 187 ]
MISCELLANEOUS PAPEES. -BRITISH MUSEUM.
LETTER TO THE EARL OF SHELBURNE.
Quebec 12th Nov. 1784. To The Eight Honble. the Earl of Shelburne Original p the Atalanta. Duplicate p the —
My Lord,
Lieut Governor Hay's situation is such, that I must be insensible to the sufferings of a very deserving man, a vigilant and capable servant of the Crown, did I omit laying it with submission before Your Lordship. This Gentleman was a Lieut in the 60th Regt in 1756, was under the orders of Colonel Gladwin when the Indian war broke out, after the Peace of 1763 when Detroit was invested by the Savages under Ponteach — was appointed a deputy under Sir William Johnson for Indian affairs — he acted as assistant engineer, and for thi;^e years of my residence in that settlement, I found him active intelligent and zealous. His desire of beiug serviceable engaged him to go with me to St. Vincennes: his captivity, impris- onment and absence for four years from a numerous family at a great expense and inconvenience he thought fully compensated by his appointment to the Lieut Government of Detroit, but on his arrival here, he was detained month after month and has experienced the diasdvantages of every kind instead of reaping the advantages wh.. he might presume Your Lordship intended as a reward for past services. His salary of £200 pr. ann. in a country where provisions and all necessarys are at an exhorbitant price is all his resource, and tho by His commission of Lt. Governor and Super- intendant he might expect to direct the management of the Indians
LETTER FROM GENERAL BARRY ST. LEGER.
685
of that district (under the Supt. Genl. Sir John Johnson) he is literally disabled from rewarding an Indian who should be employed to carry an Express or in any other manner from directing the Indian affairs in his Government.
As I have never missed any occasion of expressing how much I have been indebted to Mr. Hay while he acted under my orders, Your Lordship will I hope pardon my representing the situation of a person whom Your Lordship had honored with your protection and who received his Commission from Your Lordship's hand. I have the honor to be with a true sense of obligation My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obliged
and faithfully devoted humble servant
Endorsed: To the Right Honble The Earl of Shelburne, 12th Nov. 1784.
Original p. the Atalanta. Duplicate p. Nancy Oaterson sailed at the same time. To be ent'd in the fair book. En'd H. F.
[ Page 166]
LETTER FROM GENERAL BARRY ST. LEGER.
Montreal, Deer. 29th 1784.
Private.
Dear Sir,
I am favoured with yours of the 19th and 23rd Insts; your enclosures are expedited to Lieut Govr. Hay in the manner you desired by a letter of mine.
Sorenesses and Jealousies between individuals, arising from causes unknown to me; or rather guessed at only from surmises I have formed from anecdotes that have occasionally met my ear (I should not I believe be far short of my mark if I were to ascribe the principal cause, derived from extraordinary predilections to particu- lars & as unwarrantable antipathies to others), however this much is certain; from some cause or other, the paths of the Upper Regions are shewn with so many thorns and Briars that the great- est caution and delicacy is required for so sickly and circumscribed a Being as I am to get on with any degree of safety.
686
MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS.— BRITISH MUSEUM.
I respect Mr. Hay much; and have felt for him under instances of harsh treatment he had met with more than upon one occasion; and I declare I heartily feel for him at this Inst., that so glar- ingly apparent share of confidence should have been withheld from him (for I am not without my suspicions that orders similar to those sent to Niagara, Cataraqui and Oswego, have not been com- municated to him; or if, peradventure they have, he may probably have considered them as passed to him through a very mortifying medium) while I am restricted and fettered in such a manner as not to be able to restore him to that footing his activity & zeal for the service and scavoir /aire in the different walks he has been employed, so justly merit.
I have done for him all that lays in my power, and in as liberal a way as I thought myself authorised to do. He is furnished with all the orders from Home relative to Lieut Governors and their line of Command; likewise those framed by General Haldimand respecting the powers of Militaivy Commandrs. of Districts — Their Power of moving Troopg, and responsibility for the propriety and necessity of such movement to the Commander in Chief for the time being: likewise the disposing of the vessels, as they in their discretion shall think the service requires for the defence of the Upper Country upon the same principles.
I have transmitted to him copies of His Excellency's letters to Colo. Depeyster and Major Ross directing the mode they should govern themselves by, to defend their respective Posts, in case, impatience or any other motives should induce the Americans to assure themselves of them, with some hints of our own with respect to Detroit, to obtain all the intelligence from Fort Pitt, Redstone and Westmoreland as one or all of those places must be from whence an enemy marching through the Indian Country to attack his Post must draw their resources. I have likewise given him certain dis- cretionary powers in respect to the mode of defence, repairs &o in case of an emergency, the responsibility for the necessity of which will certainly lay with him.
Mr. Lauzans correspondence with the Genl in order to obtain permission to visit Niagara &o has been a matter that never reached my knowledge; and if such a correspondence did exist, I think it may be imagined, at that period it was an even chance, whether it proceeded from speculative and philosophic curiosity or any intriguing designs. The Americans had ways and means less alarm-
ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT.
687
ing and suspicious to come at local knowledge of those places than through a French resident; but however to decide with any degree of Judgment one must know the Kesident's character and turn of mind. Baron de Steuben, as you will perceive by the enclosed No 1 made a demand for delivering up the Posts which was politely refused him and afterwards beg'd for permission to visit the Upper Country with Colo. Fish an Engineer, this was also refused.
The great retreat for the Artillery Stores &c is Cataraqui to be conveyed in the King's Vessels. Genl. Haldimand informed me that I should have most pointed orders from the minister on this head. I have not a vestage of instructions for the reception and encour- agement of Emigrants nor do I think it would be prudent if there were to give such emigration encouragement unless our Magazines were better stored with Provisions — The instructions are more full with regard to the Indians, as every comfort is to be held out and refuge given to them, should a passage across the Lakes be the party they might choose to adopt No 1 but in these arrangements I must call in the ability and local knowledge of Governors Hamil- ton and Hay with the able assistance of Colo. Hope.
New fortifications are peremptorily prohibited without an order from the King. Your passes by this day's post are arrived for the three Loyalist officers but too late for the Gentlemen to avail them- selves thereof as you apprehended.
I have the Honour to be with perfect regard. Your most obedt. &
most Humble Servant
Barry St. Leger.
N. B. Four enclosures. No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4.
Endorsed: From Genl. St. Leger, Deer. 29th, 1784. Relative to Lt. Gov. Hay, Loyalists & Indians.
[ Page 185 ]
ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE INDIANS.
Articles of Agreement concluded on at Port Mcintosh the 21st day of January 1785, between the Commissioner Plenipotentiary of the United States of America of the one part, & the Sachems and War- riors of the Windott, Delaware, Chippaway & Ottawa Nations of the other Part: —
688
MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS.— BRITISH MUSEUM.
The Commissoner Plenipotentiary of the United States in Congress ]
assembled gave peace to the Windott &oa &ca, Nations of Indians '
on the following conditions. ]
Article 1st. Three chiefs one from among the Windotts & two I
from the Delaware nations, shall be delivered up to the Commis- ^
sioner Plenipy. of the United States to be by them retained till all i the Prisoners, white and black, taken by the said nations, or any of them be restored.
i
2nd. The said Indian nations do acknowledge themselves and all ]
their Tribes to be under the protection of the United States and j
no other Sovereign whatsoever. j
3dly. The Boundary Line between the United States and the Windott ]
and Delaware Nations shall begin at the mouth of the river Guidhagd & '
run thence up said river to the Portage between that and Tuscarroras j Branch of Muskingum River, thence down the said branch to the Forks
at the crossing place, about Fort Laurens, thence Westwardly to the \
Portage on that branch of the big Miamis, which runs through into the I
Ohio, at the mouth of which branch the Fort stood, which was taken by I
the French in 1752, then along the said Portage to the Great Miamis or .
Ouia River & down the South East side of the same to its mouth. \
Thence along the South Shore of Lake Erie to the mouth Guiahdwg^ i where it began.
Article 4th. The United States allotted all the Lands contained within !
the said Lines to the Windott and Delaware nations, to Live & to hunt, i
and to such of the Ottaway nation as now live thereon. Leaving and '
reserving for the Establishment of trading Posts, six miles in square at i
the mouth of the Miamis River, and the same at the Portage of that j Branch of the big Miamis which runs into the Ohio, and the same on the Lake of Sandusky where the Fort formerly stood, and also two
miles square each side of the Lower Rapid of Sandusky River which \ Posts and Lands on them shall be to the use and under the Government
of the United States. \
5th. If any citizen of the United States or other Person not being ]
Indian, shall attempt to settle on any of the Lands allotted to the ;
Windott & Delaware Nations in this Treaty except on the Lands reserved i
to the United States by the preceding Article, each person shall !
forfeit the protection of the United States, and the Indians may pun- :
ish the offenders as they please. |
6th. The Indians who sign thia Treaty as well in behalf of all the j
Tribes as of themselves do hereby acknowledge the Land, East, South j
ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT.
689
and West of the Lines described to the 3rd Article as far as the said Indians formerly claimed, the same to belong to the United States, and none of their Tribes shall presume to settle upon the same or any part of it,
Article 7th. The Post of Detroit with a District beginning at the mouth of the Eiver Raisin the West End of Lake Erie & running West six miles up the Southern Branch of the said Eiver, thence Northerly always six miles West of the Strait till it strikes Lake St. Clair shall be also restored to the sole use of the States.
8th. In the same manner the Post of Michilimackinac with its dependencies and 120 miles square about the same be reserved for the use of the United States —
9th. If any Indian or Indians shall commit a Robbery or murder on any Citizen of the United States, the Tribe to which he shall belong, shall be bound to deliver himj over to the nearest post, to be punished according to the ordinance of Congress,
10th. The Commissioner of the United States in Pursuance of the Humane & liberal views of Congress upon this Treaty being sign'd will direct goods to be delivered among the different Tribes for their use and Benefit.
Separate Article — It is agreed that the Delaware^Chiefs (Colo Henry) Hingue Pushshus or Big Cat, Capt White Eyes, who took up the Hatchet for the United States during the war and their Families, shall be received into the Delaware nation in the same Situation and Rank as before the [war, and| enjoy their due portion of the Lands given to the Windotts & Delaware Nations, in this Treaty, and all the other Benefits of the same as fully as if they had never taken part with America or as any other person belonging to their Nation.
(Signed) C. McCoemick,
A true copy. Corny. & Clerk, Indian Department.
Endoreed: Copy of a Treaty with the Indians and Americans at Port Mcintosh.
Copy of this was transmitted to My Lord Sydney, 28th Jnly 1785, per Nothingham, Capt. Hoare, No. 1.
[ Page 189 ] 87
690 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS.— BRITISH MUSEUM.
MESSAGE FKOM THE SHAWANE8E TOWNS TO ALEXANDER MO KEE.
A. MoKee, Esq. + Shawanese Towns, March 20th, 1785.
-f- Received the following message from the Indians the 11th
April 85. Father,
This speech is from your Children the Shawanese, and Mingoes — You know the Wyandots & Mingoes went to Council at Beaver Creek, where they met with a man appointed by the American Congress to speak to them (as he said) who told them he was glad to see them — that he had something to tell them and that what was in his Breast he would declare to them directly, saying, what Lands do you claim in this part. I ask you for a Piece of Ground, take pity on me & grant it — if you say you will, I shall give you a great many Thousands of Dollars and not only that, but shall give your children what they may want, and will always continue giving them. The Delawares agreed to their Proposals, and gave them a Tract of Land from little Beaver Creek, across the Falls of Big Beaver Creek to Cannawago & Lake Erie.
The Windotts gave them from little Beaver Creek, the whole Shawanese Country, the line to run through A. MoKee Esqrs. House and the Standing Stone in the Miamis River, from thence to Cap- tain Pipe's Line & down to the mouth of the same River.
The Americans gave to the Half King & Pipe, each a piece of Parchment & a Belt, saying, they might sit down easily on a piece of Land at Hookhoasing.
We shou'd be glad that the different nations may not listen to any thing that the Hurons or Delawares may say on behalf of the Americans, as they have sold their land and themselves with it to them.
The Speech sent us with one from the Six Nations, are going in three days to the Southward & will be delivered by the Cherokees.
Our Young Brethren will soon know the Treatment received at Fort Stanwix from the Americans. The Belts that the Maycackay Tribe delivered last Spring to let loose their young Brethren, we beg may be given back to them, with the pipe, that they may put it to the intended^ use, if occasion requires it. We shall take it as a great favor that they will be strong and make good use of their Belts.
(Signed) Major Snake,
Capt. Jonny, Thoms. Snake, Chiaxey.
INDIAN COUNCIL HELD AT WAKITUNIKBE. 6^1
Ohiax'y desires that Mr. MoKee will write to Niagara to let them know he intends to go there as soon as the waters fall— that anything that may happen, in this country, he will |be able to inform him thereof. He will also please to write this to his Brother who is Cap- tain Brant's great Friend.
Continues Fatheb,
You now see trouble is coming upon us fast. We think it nigh at hand. The Virginians are settling our Country & building Cabbins in every place — we hope you will take compassion upon us — Acquaint our younger Brethren the Lake Indians and the Six Nations with our situation that the Americans intend to pay us a visit early this Spring, when the grass is four inches high.
A true copy.
(Signed) . C. MoCormick,
Corny. & Clerk Ind. Dept.
Endorsed: Message from the Shawanese Towns, 20th March 1785.
To Mr. McKee, informing him of demands made for lands by the Americans. Copy of this was transmitted to My L-^rd North pr. the Notiagham, Oapt. H^ara, 23th Jaly 1785, No. 2
[ Page 193 ]
INDIAN COUNCIL HELD AT WAKITUNIKEE.
At a Council held at Wakitunikee, May 18th 1785. By the Chiefs of the Shawanese, Mingoes, Delawares and Cherokees. Present
James Shirlook & four other Americans.
Capt Wolf, a Mingoe spoke — sayed some time ago he and several others had gone a hunting found the white people settling in many parts of their Country — That he thought from what he had heard from Mr. Shirlook, that they had no right, nor were encouraged by their Great men to settle upon this side the Ohio, as the line between them was on the other side the Ohio settled by their Fore- fathers; and that the Speeches delivered tu him by the said Mr. Shirlock, as well as by General Clark were that if the People who were encroaching upon us got hurt, there would be no notice taken of it; as they would bring it upon themselves. That now whilst he was out he met some of those people (Virginians) and took on© of them Prisoner to answer to his Chiefs, and now delivers him to them, to examine and hear what he had to say.
692 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS.— BRITISH MUSEUM. >
Delivered John Crawford to ye Chiefs.
Capt. JoDny, a Shawanese chief, spoke on behalf of the three first mentioned nations in that Country. Brethren! Virginians! yoi^ know the other day we were fighting, you desired us to be quiet — we are so — you requested us to observe the councils of our Fore-! fathers and act according to their customs. We people of one Colour are United, so that we make but one man, that has but one Heart and one Mind,
You know Brethren, Virginians you kindled a Council Fire at Fort Stanwix, the Six Nations led us by the hand to it, but we heard nothing there but was good from you. Afterwards you kin- dled another at Beaver Creek, there two men spoke we could hear nothing but good from you — You told us that all the Country was! yours — you have kindled two Council Fires — at the first you know^ how you have treated our Brethren the Six Nations — Seiz'd andi detain 'd them Prisoners — ^You have now behav'd in the same man-' ner at Fort Mcintosh — presently you will kindle another Council'j Fire, but if you do it any place near us, we will not go to ifc nor listen to you, but if you kindle it at Detroit, where our Fore-j fathers did, then we will think you are for some good — there our^ Brethren who stand at our backs will hear you — But we see your| Intention — you are drawing close to us, and so near our bedsides, J that we can almost hear the noise of your axes felling our TreesJ and settling our Country. According to the Lines settled by our^ Forefathers, the Boundary is the Ohio Eiver, but you are coming? upon the ground given to us by the Great Spirit — we wish you < to be strong and keep your people on that side the River. We-
have no^^objections to carry on Trade with your Traders, provided -
i
they do not attempt to settle in our Country, but it is too clear, to us your design is to take our Country from us — we remind you*; that you will find all the people of our Colour in this Island strong;' unanimous, and determined to act as one man in Defence of it, therefore be strong and keep your people within Bounds, or we-/ shall take up a Rod and whip them back to your side of the Ohio, j
It is now incumbent on you to restrain your People and listeHuJ to us, otherwise the Consequence of what may happen hereafter wiUj be your fault. .j
You are always calling to us for your Flesh and Blood — no doubt i you are fond of them — We have them by the hand to deliver to*^ you, if you listen to us, on the contrary if you do not, you will
INFORMATION REGARDING SUNDRY LOYALISTS. 693
never see them at any other time — What we three nations say to you, are the seDtiments of the Six Nations, and that of those to the setting of the Sun.
What we have said we are determined to do, without the Council or 5^idvioe of our Fathers who formerly assisted ns when requisite.
We have called in Simon Girty, that our words should be fully explained to you^ before him.
This foolish young man who was taken in our country, encroaching upon us, we deliver to you, that he may return home and prevent others doing what he has done — his companions were sent back when taken.
(Signed) Charles McCormick,
Corny. & Clerk Ind. Dept.
Detroit, 31st May 1785.
Endorsed: Council at Wakitumikee, held by the Indians 18 May 1785. Present, James Shirlock and four other Americans. Copy of this was transmitted to My Lord Sydney 28th July 1785, per the Notingham, Capt. Hoare. No. 4 .
[Page 212]
INFORMATION OF SUNDRY LOYALISTS FROM THE UNITED STATES.
Detroit, 31st May 1785. Arriv'd from Redstone in Westmoreland now called Fayette oountyt
Hugh Guilmar, James Henthorn, » Mathew Guilmar, [> Loyalists, James Guilmar, Robt, Gordon,
Declare that from the Treatment they received from the Ameri- cans during the late War, and being affraid to receive worse now, is the true cause of their coming here, as they look upon this Place, to be under the Government of the King of Great Britain, they expect to be rec'd as his faithfull subjects, say they wd. have come here before now, only on acct. of their Families and effects, that they expect to find that a proper encouragement will be given them, and a surety of lands &c, that when they return they may report the same, to many other Families who mean to follow their Example.
i
\
694 MISCELLANEOUS PA PEES.— BRITISH MUSEUM.
\
They say that a Mr. Olliver Polluck Agent to the United States.
some time last Fall, went to New Orleans, on the Mississippi, where i
he pass'd for current money, many Congress Bills, which the j
Spaniards found out after to be reduced in value, and not equal \
to what he had pass'd them for, demanded the full amount of the i Bills, 'till which Polluck would be detained in prison at New
Orleans, when the restitution would be made them, they would then i
give Polluck his Liberty. f:
Hugh Guilmar says he was at Philadelphia last Fall, heard from ^
Pollucks Brother there, that the Americans were preparing Provision I
and other Things to send to the Spaniards in restitution for their '
Bills given them by Polluck & to have him releas'd, but heard no j
more of that affair since, only that Polluck was then in confinement, j
That he likewise heard that some Americans from Kentuck went to j
New Orleans, or some of the Spanish Settlements & there committed ;
some Bobberies & other Outrages, that the Spaniards immediatjely \ followed them to the Falls of the Ohio & demanded the people that
committed those misdemeanors, from the commanding officer of that ] Post, who reply 'd he would give them every satisfaction, but on
inquiry found that some of the Principal People of his Post & the i
environs were concerned, then deolin'd his Promise to the Span- j
iards, who return'd immediately threatening that they would revenge j
themselves on every one belonging to the United States — he further t
relates the Paragraph of a Letter from Minory an American now I
at New Orleans to his Father at Monenghehela, desiring him to j
send nothing to him in these parts, as the Spaniards were really j
determined not to have any further dealings with the United States, ^
that he only expected by the first Intelligence, the news of a war j
between them and the Spaniards He Mr. Guilmar further |
says that it was currently reported in the United States, and he i
even saw Listing Parties when he was at Philadelphia, that the |
Congress had given orders for a great many Soldiers more than j
what the People in general thought necessary for the Protection of ^
their Country, or the Posts they intend 'd to occupy that their orders ^■ extended so far as to press People that would not voluntarily enter
their service and that those soldiers are to act in Foreign or domestic 'l
Service if required, for the space of seven years. j
Mr. Mathew Guilmar says he has attempted several times during ^ the late war to join His Majesty's forces and act in conjunction with
them that he and his brother in the year 1778 in attempting to go i
i
GEORGE SHARP TO LIEUT. GOV. JEHU HAY.
695
to New York to join the Royal Army were taken Prisoners below Brunswick, oonfin'd in the common goal, fetter'd and nail'd down to the Floor for six days afterwards were sent to the Trent town bound in Irons, they first rob'd them of everything they had — then examin'd them finding no Papers or any thing against the United States, they were dismiss'd but no restitution for what they were rob'd of — Examin'd pr. Alex McKee Esq D. A. by order of the Lieut Governor 5th June 1785.
* Charles McCormiok,
Commissary & Clerk Ind. Dept
Bndorsed:
Information of sundry Loyalists arriv'd from the United States 81 May 1785. C3opy of jthis was transmitted to My Lord Sydney p. the Notingham, Capt. Hoare, 28 July 1785. No. 8.
[ Page 216 ]
GEORGE SHARP TO LT. GOV. JEHU HAY.
Detroit, 2nd June 1785.
Sir,
In compliance with your desire I have the honor to inform you that during last winter having had occasion to travel as far as Nashville on the frontiers of North Carolina. I understood that the Governors of New Orleans and Nachez had denied all communica- tion to England, France and America by the river Mississippi, that the Governor of Nachez had actually detained a Mr. Hurst, on his way from Nashville to England, suffering him neither to proceed nor return wh. his property until a certain day in April last, when the matter was to be finally decided — That the provinces of North Carolina, Georgia and Virginia, within whose boundaries the river Cherokee fall had prohibited all commerce to said river untill such time as the Cherokees had made peace from whom they as yet receive insults.
That the Americans meant to settle the Cherokee river this Summer, and that Surveyors were employed thereon in laying out lands for the officers & Soldiers of the American Army — All this being mere report I advance it entirely as such.
Ij was well received at all the Indian ^Villages & most of the tribes from what I could 1 am seemed enclined for peace.
696 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS.— BRITISH MUSEUM.
These, Sir are all the public Dews I can recollect or can advance with any kind of certainty.
I have the honor to be Sir
Your much obliged &
humble servant
George Sharp.
Govr. Hay.
Endorsed: ^ Detroit, 2nd Jane 1785.
George Sharp information to Lt. Gov. Hay relative to the conduct of the Spaniards on the Missisepi* The Americans mean to settle the Cherokee River this sammer, with officers and soldiers who had served in their army.
Copy of this transmitted to Ld. Sydney p. the Notingham, Capt. Hoare, the 28th July 1785, No. 7.
[ Page 220 ]
JAMES MC GILL TO HUGH FINLAY, ESQ.
Montreal, 5 July 1785,
Dear Sir,
I have the favour of your Letter of the 30th & shall again look at the Commission of the Peace to see whether the Title can be added to it, but as it has been a good while in his possession & probably read by some of the new Magistrates, it may be better to have it as it is, but a further division of Districts should dis- please those whose power would in consequence be less extensive than under the present commission.
A particular friend of mine Mr. John Askin of Detroit writes me that he has applied by memorial to the Lieut. Governor and Council for a Tract of Land in that Settlement, I suppose on our side of the line — If you can with propriety forward the prayer of the Petition you will oblige me very much — Mr. Askin is intelli- gent and clever — I have known him well for more than twelve years past & can pledge myself for his Conduct & abilities — ^ He was Commissary at Michilimakinac from 1774 till Govr. Sinclair •went to that Post, but by his means lost his place & his Interest, was severely injured in consequence. In fall 1775 seven hundred pounds of his Property was ca^t away in a vessel on Lake Erie & destroyed by order of Col. Caldwell who then was commandant at Niagara, least the Americans should get pos3es3ion of it, for which
JAMES McGILiL TO HUGH FINLAY.
697
no compensation could ever be obtained, the application was made to General Carleton — Afterwards in Spring 1776 when the Americans were about to abandon this place, they broke open our cellar and carried off fourteen Puncheons of Rum belonging to him, which he had purchased on his account the preceeding Fall. So that he bas on account of these Losses some claim on Government to compensation if it can be done in this Country by granting Lands.
I am exceedingly sorry to mention to you that the Returns from the Country about Detroit are this year likely to fall much short of any former years & they write from thence that the chief cause of this failure, proceeds from the very late arrival of goods last season at that Post. They mention further that unless Private Vessels are permitted on Lakes '^rie, Huron & Michigan that greatest part of the South Trade will ba carried off by the Amer- icans— The King's Vessels, nothwithstanding the arrangements taken this Spring by his Honor the Lt. Governor, General St. Leger & Col Hope are so employed that goods which remained all winter at Fort Erie were not gone from it the 15th June. These goods were imported last year, they will not get to a market, (which is in reality amongst the Indians) till next winter, the returns of them therefore will not be in England till winter 1786-7, from which you may judge whether it is possible to go on with business or to make exertions so as to secure the Furr Trade to this Province — The only objections I have ever heard to the allowing of private vessels are two, the first that during the war they might intention- ally or otherwise fall into the hands of the Enemy, to obviate which it was proposed to General Haldimand that he should appoint the commanders, the number of men & strength of the Vessels, bat that they should be employed by the owners & for their benefit — this was refused — now that we are at peace one would think that this objec- tion should cease, but it seems the effect continues & Trade is by that means so cramped, delay 'd and languid as to threaten ruin to those concerned in it.
With respect to smuggling, I dare say you will think with me, that if People are disposed to bring in Ram &o that Boats are much fitter for the purpose than vessels particularly on Lake Erie — & with respect to carrying Farrs into the Aaaarioan States, even People dis- posed to do it, their time and opportunity would be in the Spring, before they came from their wintering ground on the South side of Lake Erie, for after their Peltry is brought to Post it would be 88
698 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS.— BRITISH MUSEUM.
madness to attempt it were they even allowed to bring them in their own Vessels but this is not so much desired, because the King's Vessels can suffice, — if well regulated to bring down the Furrs, but the experience of years demonstrates that they are not sufficient to carry upwards the Government Stores & Provisions with the Merchants Goods. I am persuaded the Lieut Governor, was the business immediately under his control, would soon put things on a proper footing, and that not being the case, I would wish him to mention in his correspondence with Mr. Hay that as the original cause (which was the war) for stopping private Vessels on the Lakes is at an end, the same degrees of strictness ought not to be requisite, although the orders have not been formally
oanceird and I should be exceedingly if at the same time he
would desire the Lt Governor of Detroit to inform him if the cause or causes which occasion returns from that quarter to be so much shorter than usual. As I am convinced he will say it is owing to the goods not getting into the interior Country because of their too late arrival at Detroit last Fall a circumstance that must carry conviction of the impropriety of Mr. Haldimand's orders. This is a subject which interests me so much that I could dwell on it much longer, but I wish not to take up too much of your time and besides I am led to think that I have said enough to render it clear to you that unless more effectual means are adopted for facilitating the South Trade, it must and will be lost, so soon as the Americans choose to become our competitors.
Will you give me leave to ask you whether there are any such official advices to lead to an opinion that the Posts will be given up this year! It is strongly reported here & it is an event that concerns me so much as renders me anxious, to know it, for we have still much goods to send forward which I would certainly keep back was there the smallest probability of that event. I am dear Sir
Your afft. Friend
James McGill. Addressed: Hugh Finlay, Esq., Postmaster General, Quebec.
Endoreed: Montreal, 5th July 1785.
James McQill aboat some abases in the Indian Trade that may be rectified.
[ Page 205 ]
INDEX.
INDEX.
A.
Abercrombie, Sir Ralph:
Alluded to ....656,880
Act of Congress:
Organization of the Army of U. 8 312
Declaring war 312
Adams, John:
Letter to, from Gen. Cass 678
Adye, Mr.:
Alluded to _ 15
Agreement:
Articles of, between the U. S. and Indians. 687 Ainse, Joseph:
Alluded to 141
Allen, Col.:3
Alluded to..... 386
American Army :
Tabulated plan of organization 3 16
American forces:
On Lake Erie. 429
American Officers:
List of, in close confinement , 541
American Squadron:
Statement of the forces of 490
Amherst, Gen. :
Alluded to 200
Amherstburg:
Certificates from merchants of, relative to Indian goods 162
District of, of great importance 289
Anderson, Capt. :
Alluded to _ ...601, 610
Andrews, Capt.:
Alludedto _ 683
Applegarth, Capt.:
Commended in General Orders 397
Alludedto 370
Armistice:
Between Prevost and Dearborn condemned 461
Between Gens. Smyth and Sheaffe... 392
Armstrong, Gen.:
Alludedto 515
Armstrong, Lt.:
Alludedto.. 485
Armstrong, John:
Letter from, to commanding officer at Port George 581
Askin, John:
Interpreter for Indian Department 280
Alludedto 896
Askin, John, Jr.:
Clerk and Interpreter for Indian Depart- ment _ 287
Astor, Mr.:
Alludedto 268
Atcheson and Morgan:
Letter to, from George Harrison 355
Auld and Lange:
Montreal merchants _.. 221
B.
Baby, Col.:
Alluded to 173
Baby, Duperon:
Lot surveyed for 146, 147
Baby, James:
Letter from, to Lt. Gov. Gore 230
to Lt. Gov. Simcoe 189
Member of the Land Board _._ 142
Asks the appointment to succeed Col. McKee 189
Appointed member of Executive Council. 191
Commission as Dept. Supt. Gen. Indian affairs superseded
In the Council at York 32&
Baby, James et al, :
Letter to, from Peter Russell 194
Bacon, Capt. :
Alludedto 368
Baggs, Serj. Lyman:
In close confinement 541
Baker, Mr.:
Assistant builder at Detroit 103
Alluded to 824, 628
Baker, Anthony S. :
Letter from to Sir George Prevost ._ 617
to Lord Castlereagh. 315, 324, 355, 398, 402
Letter to, from Sir Gordon Drummond.. . 628 Ball, Lt.:
Alludedto 412
Barclay, Capt.:
Alluded to in General Orders 552
Alluded to 483, 498, 500, 501. 530, 539, 582, 658
Barclay, Henry:
Alludedto 485
702
INDEX.
Sarclajr, Col. Thomas:
Letter from, to the Commissioaers for
transports ._ 450, 476, 488, 485
to Gen. Mason.. 435, 465, 473
to James Monroe 436
to Sir George Prevost 532
to Capt. Talbot _ 515
to the Transport Board 481
to Sir J. B. Warren 516
Letter to, from Gen. Mason 486, 467, 472
from James Monroe 449
from Sir George Prevost— 544
AUuded to 487, 521, 548
Barclay, Capt. R. H. :
Letter from, to 589
to Sir George Prevost 489
to Commodore Yeo _ 525
Letter to, from George Inglis 524
Account of the battle on Lake Erie 526
Barnes, Serj. Seth:
In close confinement _ 541
Barrow, John:
Letter from, to Gen Bnnbnry 637
Barston, Lt.
Alluded to 486
Bartley, Lt.
Alluded to 410
Bathurst, Earl:
Letter from, to Sir George Prevost.. 857, 861, 413
Letter to, from Howard Douglas 418
from Sir Gordon Drummond 612, 623, 625,
627, 630, 631, 648.
from James Glenie 520
from Lt. Gov. Gore 645, 647
from Sir Geo. Prevost... 338, 340, 444,350, 351, 352, 353, 358, 387 , 393, 397, 414, 415, 422, 430, 432, 453, 468, 478, 498, 500, 509, 511, 538, 540, 553, 554, 563, 573, 575, 577, 578, 579, 583, 686, 590, 598, 603, 604, 605, 607, 610, 611, 614, 615, 616, 618.
from Gen. Robinson 636
from Chr. Robinson, et al 421
from Robinson, Griffin & Copley 677
from Gen. Sheaflfe 392, 430
Memorial of Lt. Col. Bird to.._ ...656, 678
of Col. Robert Nichol to 849
Alluded to._ ...534,658, 680, 665
Battersby, Lt. Col.:
Alluded to 510
Baynes, Col. Edward:
Letter from, to Gen. Glasgow 400
Letter to, from Col. N. Pinkney 576
Baynes, Col.:
Alluded to ....338, 339, 844, 845, 577
Beasley, Mr.
Alluded to... 472
Beasly, B. G.:
Commissary of prisoners in London 455
Beckwlth, Lt, Col.
Alluded to 8
Beck with, Geo.:
Acting Adjt. General 4, 5
Beckwith, Adjt. Gen. Geo.:
Letter from , to James Mc Henry 122
to the Duke of Portland 128
to Lt. Gov. Simcoe 114
Orders to evacuate the Posts 120, 121
Gtoneral Order relative to Isle Bois Blanc . 124
Beddingfield, H.Y.:
Put into close confinement 516
Beresford, Sir J. P.
Alluded to 515
Bernard, Lt.:
Alluded to 412
Berthelot, J. B.:
Certificate of 610
Bevan, Drumer:
Deserted. _ 15
Bignal, Lt.:
Alluded to 527
Bird, Capt.:
AUuded to.. _ 216
Bird, Commr.:
Taken prisoner 481
Bird, Mrs. Elizabeth:
Memorial of, to Lord Castlereagh 284
Alluded to 233
Bird, Major Henry:
Letter from, to E. Cook JJ18
Letter to, from A. S. De Peyster 141
Henry Lamsey 131
Proceedings of a council relative to a
claim of _ 226
Memorandum relative to lands of 235, 286
Alluded to 222
Bird, Lt. Col. Henry:
Memorial of, to Earl Bathurst 656, 678
Death of, alluded to 234
Alluded to 283, 656, 660
Bisshopp, Lt. Col.:
Letter from, to Gen, Shea£Fe 409
Wounded at Black Rock 486, 487, 488
Alluded to 408. 409, 413, 485, 653
Alluded to in General Order 416
Bizeau, James:
Certificate of 610
Black Rock:
Engagement at 486
Return of killed , wounded, etc. , at _„ 487
General Order relative to the action at 488
Blackwood:
A Shawenoe chief 242
Blackwood, John:
Letter from, to 889
Blanch, Serj. James:
In close confinement 541
Bleakley, J. :
Montreal merchant.. 221
Bloomfield, Gen.:
Notified that the U. S. were at war with
Great Britain .. 311
General Order of, announcing the declara- tion of war... _ 314
At Plattsburg with 2,000 men 356
At Plattsburg with 6,000 men 887
Alluded to 398
Boerstler, Lt. Col.:
Taken prisoner 480
On parole 542
Alluded to 546, 548, 549
Bond, Mr.:
AUuded to 119. 123
Bostwick, Capt.:
AUuded to 410»412
INDEX.
708
Boundary line:
Observations relative to 264
AUudedto 40, 57
Brant, Capt-:
Letter from, to Peter Russell.. 187, 199
to Lt. Gov. Simcoe 183
Speech of, at council at Brown's Town — 41, 45 Reply to Lt. Gov. Simcoe, for the Six
Nations.... 101
Alluded to 49, 56, 59, 75, 88, 84, 132
134, 172, 174, 191, 192, 202
Brass, Capt.:
Alluded to 516
Brevoort, Capt. Henry B. :
Prisoner of war 425
British Forces:
On Lake Erie 429
British Spy:
At council of Six Nations 48
Brock, Gen. :
Letter from, to Sir George Prevo8t-.288, 289, 334
Letter to, from Sir George Prevost 294
Estimate of Lt. Col. Campbell's services at Miami 288
Vigilance and activity of. alluded to 317
Proclamation by, July 22, 1812 320
In the council at York — . 325
Proclamation of, to the inhabitants of Michigan 333
Commended for the manner in which he defended Upper Canada 349
Killed at the battle of Qneenstown . _ 368
Death of, alluded to... —392, 394, 395
Alluded tO-.291, 292, 341,342, 344, 345, 347, 352, 357, 361, 382, 461, 829, 646, 649, 651, 660, . 682, 686, 674 Brown, Ensign:
AUuded to 130. 132
Brown, Capt.:
Alluded to - 818
Brown, Gen.:
Alluded to 617,838
Brown, Adam:
Letter from, to J. Williams 64
to, from J. Williams 63
Blown, Capt. Return B.:
Prisoner of war 425
Brown's Town:
Council at ..- 40
AUudedto „ 86
Brush, Capt. :
At the River Raisin 355
Brush, Maj.:
AUudedto 363, 366
Brush, Col. E.:
Signer to capitulation for surrender of
Detroit 332
Bryeon, Lt.:
AUuded to 410, 412
Buchan, Lt.:
AUudedto.. 527
Backingham, Marquis of:
AUudedto HI
Baffalo:
A Shawenoe chief 242
Buff aloe Creek:
Proceedings of coancU at 84
Bulger, Lt.:
Alluded to 604,608
BuUock, Capt.:
Commended in general orders 396
In command at Mackinac 578
Alluded to 389
Bunbury, Capt.:
To occu py T urtle Island 12
AUudedto.. 8,49, 58,60
Bunbury, Col.:
Letter to, from J. W. Croker _.. 519
Bunbury, Gen.:
Letter to, from John Barrow 637
from J. W. Croker 599
from H. R. Lusbington 613
BundaU, Lt.:
Taken prisoner 481
Burke, Rev. Edmund: ' «■
Letter to, from Lt. Gov. Simcoe 130
Memorial of, to Lord Hobart 212
Butler, Col.:
Alluded to 49, 58, 827, 674
Butler, Lt. CoL:
At council at Buffalo Creek... 64
Commended in General Orders,. 397
AUudedto 370
Butler, Lt.:
Alluded to 371
Butler, Lt. Thomas:
Commended in General Orders ^7
Butman, Serj. Benj.:
In close confinement 541
c.
Cadotte, Mr,
AUudedto 247
CaldweU, Capt.:
Lot surveyed for 146
Alluded to 223, 227 , 235, 867
CaldweU, Col.:
Alluded to 641,698
Caldwell, James:
Montreal merchant 221
CaldweU, Sir John:
Alluded to 228, 657, 680
Camden, Earl:
Letter to, from D. W. Smith 214
Memorial to, from Capt, Elliott 210
Cameron, Capt.:
Commended in General Orders 398, 897
AUudedto... 370
Campbell, Lt. Col. :
Land grant of 800 acres to, alluded to . 283
Campbell, Major Wm.:
Letter from , to 20
to Lt. Col. England... 14
to Gen. Wayne.-...- 16, 17, 19
Letter to, from Gen. Wayne .- 16, 18
Recommended for promotion 23
Alluded to 22, 25, 28, 34
Canada:
Conquest of, the object of the war 308
Subjugation of, alluded to 352
Canadians and Fellow Subjects:
Address to, to arouse a war sentiment 309
704
INDEX.
Canning, George:
Letter to, from Richard Rneh 675
Canning, Secretary;
Alluded to ._. 877
Capitulation:
Of a detachment of U, S. Forces 479
Caribou X Island:
Alluded to 115, 134
Cartel:
For the exchange of prisoners 438
Observations on _ 447
Cartwright, Richard :
Statement of peltries from Detroit and Michilimaokinac 205
Case, Gen. Lewis:
Letter from, to John Adams. ._ 673
Prisoner of war 425
Alluded to 675,676
Castlereagh, Lord:
Letter to, from Anthony 8. Baker. ..315, 324, 355,
398, 402
from Sir James Craig 258
from Alex. Grant „ 221
Memorial to, from Mrs. Elizabeth Bird 234
Alluded to 227, 880
Certificates:
Relative to Indian goods 162
Chabert, Capt.:
Lot surveyed for. -._ 146, 147
Chambers, Capt. :
Alluded to.. 834, 345, 348, 412
Chambers, Major:
Alluded to 328
Chandler, Gen. John:
On parole 542
Chapin, Capt.:
Alluded to _ 818
Chapin, Gen.:
Alluded to 12, 58, 82
Chauncey. Commodore:
AUuded to 463, 510, 514
Chenail Ecart6:
Pnrchase of 12 miles square at. 104
List of Indian Bands who will remain at.. 157
Relative to the settlement at 167
Chene, Isadore:
Lot surveyed for 146, 147
Chew, Joseph:
Letter from, to Indian Department 1
Letter to, from Col. McKee 104
Christie, Lt. Col. John:
Prisoner of war _ 425
AUadedto.... 469
Clark, Col.:
Alluded to 409
Clark, Gen.:
Alluded to 691
Clark, Lt. Col.:
Letter from, to Lt. Col. Harvey 485
Wounded at Black Rock 487, 488
Commended in General Orders.. 397
Alluded to in General Order 417
AUuded to 870, 412
Clark, Thos. Alex.:
Interpreter Indian Department, Detroit.. 110
Clarke, Lt.:
Taken prisoner 481
Clarke, Gov.:
Alludedto... 594
Claus, Col.:
Letter to, from Lieut. Gov. Gore 841
Speech of, to the 8hawenoe Chiefs 242
Commended in General orders _ 396
Alludedto... 370^
Claus, Capt. WiUiam:
Letter to, from Capt. Elliott 269, 272, 277
from L^. Gov. Gore 282
Recommended to succeed Col. McKee 193
Alluded to 195, 198, 202, 207
Clay,H.:
Speaker of the House of Representatives.. 313 Clemon, Lt.
Wounded at Frenchtown _ 428
Clouch, Volunteer:
Commended in General Orders 397
Cochran, Capt.:
Aid-de-Camp to Sir George Prevost 565
Cochrane, Vice Admiral:
Letter from, to John W. Croker 586'
to James Monroe 595
Letter to, from Sir George Prevost 581
Secret memorandum of _ 587
Coffin, Adjt. Gen. N.:
Certificate of. 660
Coleman, Mr.:
Allndedto 682
Collier, Oapt.:
Alludedto 626
Collet, Gen.:
Transactions with the Western Indians al- luded to 196
Alluded to ...171, 174, 186.
Commanders of Vessels:
Instructions for 371
Commissioners for Transport:
Letter from, to J. W. Croker 48T
Letter to, from Col. Thomas Barclay 450, 476,
481, 483, 485.
from Admiral Griffith 521
from John Gait 665^
Conelly, Col.:
Alludedto 148
Connolly, Lt. Col. :
Successor to Col. McKee 206
Connolly, McLean:
Montreal merchant 221
Conyngham, Francis:
Letter from, to R. Wilmot 877
Cook, Capt. Joel:
Prisoner of war _ 425
Cooke, Mr.:
Alludedto 657
Cooke, E.:
Letter to, from Major Bird 218
from Major R. Matthews 233, 250
Cooper, Capt.:
Commended in general orders.. 397
Alludedto 370
Cooie, Capt.:
INDEX.
705
Copley, J. Sm et al:
Letter from, to Earl Bathuret. ._ 677
Council:
Proceedings of, relative to a claim of Maj.
Bird 226
Council at Big Bock:
Sptechei of the Indians at 270
Council at York:
Proceedings of _ 325
Courts of Admiralty:
Instructions for 884
Cragie, John :
Letter from, to Lord Dorchester.. 88
Craig, Sir James:
Letter from, to Lord Castlereagh 258
to B. M. Erskine 241, 248
to Lt. Gov. Gore 232, 236, 239, 245, 280
Letter to, from 259
from D. M. Erskine _ 237
from Lt. Gov. Gore ...229, 288, 240,
245, 247, 249, 279
Memorial to, from Montreal merchants... 250
Queries by Lt. Gov. Gore answered by 230
Alluded to 337
Craig, Sir J. W.:
Alluded to 666
Cranson, Lt. John H.:
In close confinement _ _ 541
Crawford, Major:
Alluded to 592, 593
Crawford, John:
Delivered to the chiefs _ . . 692
Crawford, L.:
Certificate of 610
Crawford, Wm. H.
President of the Senate pro tempore 313
Croker, John W.:
Letter from, to Gen. Bunbury 519, 599
to Henry Goulburn... 518
Letter to, from Vice Admiral Cochrane... 586 from Commissioners for Transports... 487
fromCapt. Yeo.... 635
Crooks, Capt. James:
Commended in General Orders 397
Alluded to - 370
Crowther, Lt. :
Commended in General Orders 39d
Alluded to... ! 370
Cruikshank, R.:
Montreal merchant - _ 221
Cummins, Capt.:
Taken prisoner 481
Cuvillier, Aylwin & Harkness:
Montreal merchants 221
D.
Dalliba, Lt. James.
Prisoner at war 425
Daviel, David:
Montreal merchant 221
Dawson, Ensign:'
Alluded to ..^ 277,456
Day, Mr.:
Alluded to .- 175
89
Deacon, Lt.:
Alluded to... 546, 548
Deacon, Lt. David:
On parole 542
Dearborn, Gen.:
Letter from, to Sir George Prevost 455
Letter to, from Sir George Prevost.. 424, 469, 508
At Green Bush with 3,000 men 387
Headquarters at Albany 399
AUuded to.338, 339 344, 350, 397, 414, 425, 426, 478, 5C6, 508, 517, 535, 536, 587, 545, 548, 556. 558 Decatur, Com.:
Commander of the frigate United States.. 806 Declaration of war:
By act of Congress, approved June 18, 1812. 306 De Haren, Major:
Capt. McDowell surrenders to 479
De Laney, Wm.:
A prisoner in England 482
Denault, Rev. Peter:
Alluded to 213
Denison, Ens. Washington:
In close confinement 541
Dennis, Capt.:
Commended in General Orders 396
Alluded to 369
De Peyster, Col. :
AUuded to : 216,686
De Peyster, Major: —
Alluded to 683
De Peyster, A. S.:
Letter from, to Maj. Henry Bird 141
Derinzy. Capt.:
Commended in General Orders . _ 396
Alluded to _ 369
De Rottenburg Gen.: (See also Rottenburg.)
Alluded to 485, 488, 489, 505, 511, 539, 568, 660
Detroit:
Protestants in a state of progression 35
Letter relative to 135
Gen. Hull and an army of 2,000 at 822
Surrendered by Gen. Hull 332
Surrender of, alluded to 353
Ordnance taken at 438
Return of ordnance captured at 498
Dewar, Lieut.:
Alluded to 335
De Watteville, Gen.:
Letter to, from Lt. Gov. Gore 643
Alluded to 612,642, 648
Dickson, Dr.:
Alluded to 547
Dickson, Mr.:
Alluded to-... 431, 460, 498, 506, 534, 584, 589
Dickson, Robert:
Petition of - 133
Alluded to 205
Dixon, Capt. :
Alluded to _ - 335
Dobbs, Capt.:
Alluded to 654
Dorchester, Lord:
Letter from, to Henry Dundas 34, 36
to the Land Board of Hesee ,.. 150
to Robert Liston 122
706
INDEX.
Dorchester, Liord— Continued:
Letter from, to Col. McKee 78, 116
to the Duke of Portland ..83, 88,
89, 104, 114, 119, 123, 125, 126, 127
to Lt. Gov. Simcoe 85. 87, 118, 124
Letter to, from John Craigie 38
from the Land Board of Hesse 149, 150
from James McHenry, Sec. of War 117
from the Duke of Portland 30
from Lt. Gov. Simcoe 6, 102, 105, 117, 120
Inflammatory speech of, alladed to 57, 58
Return of appointments made by. 92
alluded to 24, 31, 62, 67, 69, 98, 143, 180,
181, 189, 206, 212
Douglas, Howard:
Letter from, to Earl Bathurst 418
Downie, Capt.:
Alluded to 831
Doyle, Major:
Alluded to 129, 130
Drummond, Gen.:
Letter from, to A. St. John Baker 626
to Earl Bathurst ...612, 628, 625, 627, 630,
631, 648
to Lt. Gov. Gora 688, 689, 642
to Sir George Prevost 561
Letter to, from Lt. Gov. Gore 644
from Lt Col. McDonall 600
froii^Sir George Prevost ...571, 580, 622
Alluded to..563, 584, 573, 581, 586, 589. 591, 610, 611, 612, 621, 622, 624, 645, 646, 647, 655, 660. 661, 684 Drummond Island:
Site of the new post _ 632
Alluded to ....638, 642, 647
Duggan, Thomas:
Storekeeper, Indian Department, Michili-
mackinac 110
Dumas, Michel:
Montreal merchant.. 221
Dundas, Henry:
Letter to, from Lord Dorchester ._ 34, 36
from J. Quebec 35
from Lt. Gov. Simcoe 2, 21, 22, 81, 32
from Lt. Col. Charles Stevenson Ill
Alluded to... 88
Dunn, President:
Alluded to 241
Darand, Capt.:
Commended in General Orders 897
Alluded to 870
Durocher, J. B.:
Montreal merchant 221
Duvall, Corp. Alvin:
In close confinement 541
E.
Egnshwa:
Seriously wounded 23
Elliott, Col. Mathew:
Entitled to honorary medal. 580
Elliott, Col. Mathew:
Alluded to 337,562
Elliott, Capt. Matthew:
Letter from, to Wm. Clans 269, 272, 277
to Col. McKee 158
to Peter EusseU 170
to Lt. Gov. Simcoe 184
Letter to, from Col. McKee 157
from Peter RusseU 161, 165, 209
from J. P. Selby 156, 160
from Lt. Gov. Simcoe 209
Memorial of , to Earl Camden 210
to Sir John Johnson 179
to Gen. Prescott _ 178
to Edward Duke of Kent 180
to the Duke of Portland 181, 182
Afladavit of Christopher Miller before 18
Deputy Agent Indian Department, Detroit 110
Present at Council at Brown's Town 40
Lot surveyed for 146
Ordered to apologize to Capt. McLean 161
Dismissed from the service _ 185
Dismissal of, alluded to 171
Reappointment alluded to._ 259
Thinks it proper to keep up a spirit of re- sistance among the Indians 277
Commended for services at Fort Niagara.. 562
Alluded to.. 155, 168, 168, 169, 183, 214, 223, 227. 237, 243, 246, 279, 581, 613. Elliott, Sarah:
Memorial of, to Sir George Prevost 595
Widow of Mathew Elliott, alluded to 601
Alluded to 813
Elmsley, John:
Chief Justice 142
Emersley, Josh.:
Captured in the Lady Johnson 519
England, Lieut. Col.:
Letter from, to Lt. Gov. Simcoe 25
Letter to, from Major Wm. Campbell 14
from Col. A. McKee. 13, 14
Alluded to 2, 12, 21, 24, 31, 38, 68, 76, 105, 185
Erskine, D. M.:
Letter from, to Sir James Craig 287
Letter to, from Sir James Craig 241, 248
Alluded to 236, 255
Eustis, W.:
Letter to, from Gen. Hull 827
Orders Gen. Hull to Detroit 307
Evans, Maj:
Commended in General Orders 896 •
Alluded to 870
Everard, Capt.:
Alluded to 505
Exchange of prisoners:
Letter from Col. Barclay relative to.. 450
Cartel for the 438
Observations on the Cartel for 447
F.
Fabian, Capt.:
Alluded to 650
Fawcett, Capt.:
Commended for services at Fort Niagara . 562 Fenwick, Lt. Col. John R :
Prisoner of war _.. 425
INDEX.
707
FergnBOD, Corp. John:
In close confiaement— 511
Findly, Col :
Prisoner of war 425
Finlay, Col.:
Alluded to 367
Finlay, Hugh:
Letter to, from James McGill 698
Finlay, James:
Montreal merchant. — 221
Finnis, Capt.:
Death of alluded to 552
Alluded to 526, 549
Fish, Col.:
Alluded to 687
Fisher, Frederick:
Oath of... 166
Death of, alluded to ...275, 278
AUudedto... 168
Fitzgerald, Capt.:
Alluded to 408, 412, 486, 557, 559, 578
Fleming, Capt.:
Taken prisoner „ 481
In close confinement 541
Fleming & Grant:
Montreal merchants 221
Forbes, Lt. :
Alluded to 168
Forces:
Comparative statement of the, on Lake
Erie
on the Richelieu and Lake Champlain
on Lake Ontario 504
Forrest, Henry:
Certificate of... _
Forsyth, Thomas:
Letter to, from John Richardson 268
Certificate from, relative to Indian goods 162 Forsyth, Richardson & Co.:
Montreal merchants 221, 257
Forsyth, Richardson & Co., et al:
Letter from, to Herman W. Ryland 312
Fort Brewerton:
Should be destroyed 8
Fort Defiance:
Alluded to
Fort Erie:
Speech of Lt. Gov. Simcoe to Six Nations
at
Fort Franklin:
Alluded to .— 7
Fort Jefferson :
AUudedto 3
Fort Lernoult:
AUudedto - 36
Fort Miamis:
AUudedto 25, 27,85,98
Fort Michilimackinac:
Sir George Prevost recommends procrasti- nation in restoring it 625
Fort Niagara:
Attacked and defeated 561
Fort Recovery:
Indians ask help of Lt. Col, England to attack 2
502 503
610
85
94
Fort Recovery— Cowiinued;
The troops of the States must be driven from 7
AUudedto 3,23
Fort Schuyler:
AUudedto _ 8
Fort Stanwiz:
AUudedto , 8
Foster, Mr.:
At Mrs. Madison's lev66 307
AUudedto 292
Foster, Capt.:
Aid-de-camp to Gen. Drummond 562
Foster, Lt. Col.:
AUudedto 648
Fowler, Lt. :
Commended in general orders 396
AUudedto... 870
Franks, J.:
Certificate of 610
Eraser, Capt.:
AUudedto 682
Frederick, Duke of York:
Memorial to, from Major Givens 662
Freeborne, John:
On parole 642
Freer, Noah:
Letter to, from Gen. Glasgow 549
Frenchtown:
Winchester defeated at .■■ . 427
Fry, Phillip R.:
Deputy Surveyor 146
Fry.Ensijn:
Letter to, from Gov. Hay 145
AUudedto — 228
Fulton, Capt.:
Alluded to ...394,667
G.
Gait, John:
Letter from, to the commissioners of the treasury — - 665
Gardner, Col.:
AUudedto - 534
Garland, Lt.:
Mortally wounded 558
Garvin, Ensign:
Wounded at Frenchtown 428
General Order:
Relative to Isle Bois Blanc ..- 124
Of Gen. Bloomfield announcing the declar-
tionofwar 314
By Gen, Brock, appointing James Givens
his Aid-de-camp 881
Relative to the Battle of Queenstown 895
Relative to the exchange of prisoners 424
Relative to the battle at Frenchtown 427
Relative to the action at Black Rock 488
Relative to prisoners and retaliation 537
Respecting the action on Lake Erie 550
Gibbon, Ensign:
AUudedto - -
Gillespie, George & Co. :
Montreal merchants 221
708
INDEX.
Gillespie, Mr.:
Alluded to 241
Gilmour, :
Alluded to 682
Girty, James:
An interpreter _ 242
Alluded to 277
Girty, Simon:
Interpreter of the minutes of council at Brown's Town 46
Interpreter.. 110
Lot surveyed for 146, 147
Givens, Major:
Memorial of, to Frederick Duke of York.. 662
Alluded to 411,660, 661
Givens, Capt.:
AUudedto 626
Gladwin, Col.:
AUudedto. 684
Glasgow, Capt.:
AUudedto 9
Glasgow, Gen, George:
Letter from, to Noah Freer 549
Letter to, from Col. Baynes _ 400
Glegg, Major:
AUudedto 646
Glegg, Capt. :
Commended in General Orders 396
Alluded to 337, 870
Glegg, J. B.:
Aid-de-Camp to Gen. Brock.. 331
Signer to capitulation for surrender of Detroit. _ _ 832
Statement of A..
Glenie, James:
Letter from, to Earl Bathurst
Goodwin, Lt.:
Taken prisoner 481
Gordon, Lt.:
Wounded at Frenchtown 428
Killed 512
AUudedto.. 654
Gordon, Capt.:
Alluded to 456, 546, 548
Gordon, Robt.:
Loyalist from the U . S. 693
Gore, Lt. Gov.:
Letter from, to Earl Bathurst 645, 647
to Wm. Clans 282,641
to Sir James Craig 229, 238, 240,
245, 247, 249, 279
to Gen. De Watteville 643
to Sir Gordon Drummond 844
to Robert Peele.. 292
Letter to, from J. Baby 230
from Sir James Craig 232,
235, 289, 245, 280
from Sir Gordon Drummond 638, 839, 642
from Lt. Col. Robert Nichol 646
Memorial to, from Prideaux, Selby. 267
from the North West Co. 273
Queries by, answered by Sir James Craig.. 230
AUudedto 649
Gore, Capt.:
AUudedto 277
629
520
Goulburn, Henry:
Letter from, to _
Letter to, from John Croker _
from George Harrison
from John Jenkyns
from W. Taylor ._
from J. H. Torrens
AUudedto
Graham, Lt.:
Alluded to _ 601,
Grant, Commodore:
AUudedto..
Grant, Alex.:
Letter from, to Viscount Castlereagh
Member of the Land Board . 142,
Appointed member of Executive Council .
Commission as Dept. Supt. Gen. Indian Affairs superseded ._
President of Upper Canada
In the Council at York
Grant, James:
On paro!e _
Green, Capt.:
AUudedto
Grenville, Lord:
AUudedto _
Griffin, Wm. et al;
Letter from, to Earl Bathurst
Griffith, Admiral:
Letter from, to Commissioners of Trans- ports
Griswold, Lieut. Samuel B. :
In close confinement _
Guilmar, Hugh:
Loyalist from the U. S -
Guilmar, James:
Loyalist from the U. 8
Guilmar, Matthew:
Loyalist from the U. S
H.
Haffey, Dr.:
AUudedto 14;
Haldimand Papers 68
Haldimand, Gen.:
Letter from, to Gen. H. Watson PoweU... 681 Alluded to..l28, 132, 141, 148, 208, 218, 222, 223, 227 228, 235, 520, 656, 990, 678, 686, 687, 69?
Half King:
AUudedto 691
HaUoweU, James Jr.:
A Montreal merchant 271
Hallowell, WiUiam:
A Montreal merchant 271
Hamilton, Lt. Col.:
Commended for gaUantry at Fort Niagara 58; Hamilton, Capt.:
AUudedto 409,41!
Hamilton, Capt. A.:
Disabled 89<
AUuded to 37(
Hamilton, Capt. Robert:
Commended in General Orders 891
AUuded to 37(
INDEX.
709
Hamilton, B. :
Statement of merchandize and rum re- ceived at Detroit
Hammond, Mr.:
Alluded to .— 31, 67, 68, 6!
Harphy, Dr. :
Alluded to _ -
Harrison, Mr.:
Alluded to
Harrison, Gen.:
At Urbana, O., with 5,000 men
Report of Gen. Tuppgr to
Arrival at Fort Wayne with 4,000 men
Alluded to-. 272, 278, 364, 403. 423, 430,469, 499, 512, 538, 539,
Harrison, George:
Letter from, to Atcheson and Morgan
to Henry Goulburn
to Robert Peele
Letter to, from Sir George Prevost
Harrow, Capt.:
Alluded to.-.,
Harvey, Lt. Col.:
Letter to, from Lt. Col. Thomas Clark
Letter from, to Lt. Col. McDonall 621
to Sir George Murray _
Commended for assistance at Fort Niagara
Alluded to 557, 574,
Harvey, Lt. Thomas:
In close confinement
Hassar, Serj. George:
In close confinement
Hatt, Capt.:
Commended in General Orders
AUuded to 370, 411,
Hatt, Major;
Alluded to in General Order..
Hay, Lt. Gov.:
Letter from, to Ensign Fry._
Letter to, from Major Mathews .._
from George Sharp.. _
Alluded to 227, 228, 660, 678,
Hay, Henry:
Witness
Hay, John:
Alluded to _
Hazel, Mr.:
Alluded to 131,
Heald, Capt.:
Alluded to 1
Heald, Capt. Nathan:
Prisoner of war
Henderson, Armour & Co.:
Montreal merchants
Henry, Alexander;
Montreal merchant
Henthorn, James:
Loyalist from the U. 8
Heywood, Capt.;
Alluded to
Hobart, Lord:
Memorial to, from Edmund Burke __.
Hofifmeister, Mr. :
Alluded to.. _
205
), 85
131
665
856 862 399 506, 598
355 680 311 601
15
485 626 624 562 652
541
541
897 412
417
145 216 695 684
147
148
656
Holcraft, Capt.:
Commended in General Orders 896
Alluded to _ 869, 370
Hope, Col.:
Alluded to 697
Huber, Corp. Jacob:
In close confinement 541
Hubert, Eev. John Francis:
Alluded to 212
Hugmien, Lt. Daniel
Prisoner of war 425
Hull, Capt.:
AUuded to 336
Hull, Capt. Abraham F.:
Prisoner of war „... 425
Hull, Gen. William:
Letter from, to Wm. Eustis 327
to Lt. Col. St. George 318
Letter to, from Lt. Col. St. George 319
His behavior very acceptable to His Ma- jesty's oflficers „ 77
Ordered to Detroit 307
At Detroit with 2,000 men 322
Entered Canada July 11, 1812 324
Surrenders to Gen. Brock 332
Proposes to surrender 336
Proclamation of, alluded to 340
His situation becomes critical 348
Unsuccessful attempt on Amherstburg, al- luded to 350, 351
Arrival at Montreal as a prisoner of war.. 353
Paroled and goes to Boston _.. 354
Prisoner of war 425
Alluded to 236, 344, 847, 362, 421,
424. 478, 508, 585, 667
Humphrey, Ensign:
Alluded to. 458
Hunter, Gen,:
Letter to, from Sir John Johnson 206
Alluded to 209, 211, 281, 641
Hunter, William:
Montreal merchant 221
Huron Reserve:
Cutting timber on, prohibited 197
Indian Council:
At Wakitunikee. - «91
Indian Department:
Additional instructions for — - 79
List of pensioners in 108
Proposed establishment of, for 1811 280
Proposed establishment of, for 1812 287
Instructions to 295
Indian Nations:
Present at council at Brown's Town 41
Indian Speeches:
At council at Big Rock.. 270
Gen. Wayne's speech to, Aug. 13, 1794 10
Valuable services to Gen. Brock 359
Speech to, upon ratification of peace 620
Articles of agreement with the United
States .
687
710
INDEX.
Inglis, Lt.:
Commended in General Orders 553
Inglis, George:
Letter from, to Capt. E. H. Barclay 524
Inglie, Ellice & Co.:
London merchante 306
Inhabitants of Canada:
Gen. Wilkinson's address to 542
Instractions:
For commanders of vessels 371
For courts of admiralty 884
Ironside, George:
Storekeeper, Indian Department, Detroit. 110
Alladed to 161, 277
Irwin, Lt.:
Wounded at French town ._ 428
Isle Bois Blanc:
General Orders relative to..*. 124
Alluded to 120
J.
James, Col.:
Alluded to 673,674
Jarvis, Volunteer:
Commended in General Orders 397
Alluded to.. 370
Jay, Mr.:
Treaty with, alluded to 88
Alluded to. _ 30, 50, 73
Jefferson, President:
Alluded to 265
Jenkyns, John:
Letter from, to Henry Gonlburn 640
Johnny, Capt. :
A Shawence chief _ 242
Speech of, in reply to Capt, Claus 244
Spoke at Indian council 692
Johnson, Guy:
Alluded to 208
Johnson, John:
Of the Indian Department 280, 287
Johnson, Sir John:
Ijetter from, to 37, 602
to General Hunter 206
Letter to, from Peter Russell 195, 196
Memorial to, from Mathew Elliott 179
Additional instructions to 79, 192, 295
Johnson, Sir John:
Alluded to 175, 191, 194, 198, 201, 202, 238, 801,
613, 682, 685
Johnson, William, Interpreter:
Alluded to as a British spy 54
Johnson, Wm.:
Account of Council of Six Nations at Can-
adarque by... ^ 46
Johason, Sir William:
Grandfather of Capt. William Claus 193
Alluded to 200,684
Johnston, John:
Letter from, to 665
Memorial of, to the Lords Commissioners 663 Johnston, Mr.:
Alluded to 56, 664
Johnstone, Mr.:
Alluded to _ 95
Jones, Mr.:
Alluded to 55
Jones, Corp. Nathl,:
In close confinement. 541
K.
Karney, Lt.:
Taken prisoner. 481
Keating, Serj.:
AUuded to 601, 610
Kemble, Wm.:
Fort Major 831
Kent, Duke of:
Memorial to, from Mathew Elliott 180
Alluded to....'. 206, 215
Kerby, Capt.:
Alluded to in General Order 417
Alluded to.. 409,412
Kerr. Lt: *
Commended in General Orders 896
Alluded to. : 370
Kerr, Ensign:
Wounded at Frenchtown 428
Ketts, Wm.:
Put into close confinement 515
Kiltson, George:
Montreal merchant 221
King, Capt.:
Taken prisoner 408, 415
Prisoner of war _ 425
A'luded to ....411,469
Wounded.. _ \ 415
Alluded to in General Order 416
Alluded to 410
King, Secretary:
Alluded to 209
King, John:
Letter to, from Patrick Sinclair 181
King, Thomas:
Alluded to 515
Knox, Gen.:
Alluded to 95
L.
La Fayette, Marquis:
Alluded to 97
LaForce, Capt.:
Alluded to 683
Laframbois, C:
Montreal merchant 221
Laing, James & Co. :
Montreal merchants — 221
Lake Champlain:
English and American flotillas on 597
Lake Erie:
Battle on, reported 528
Capt. Barclay's account of the battle on.. 626 General Order relative to the action on . . . 550 Statement of the forces on 555
Abstract of dispatches relative to the Naval Squadron on
INDEX.
711
Lake Ontario:
Statement of the British fleet on 563
Lambe, Wm.:
Captured in the Lady Johnson 519
Lamont, Lt.:
Wounded 415
A-lluded to 410
La Mothe, Guilliame:
Interpreter, Indian Department, Michili-
mackinac 110
Lamothe, Capt. William:
Lot surveyed for .148, 147
Lamson, Corp. John;
In close confinement _ 541
Land Board of Hesse:
Extracts from the records of 145 to 153
Larrabe, Lt. Charles:
Prisoner of war 425
Lascell, — —
Taken prisoner. ._ _ 15
Launiere, Joseph:
Deputy Agent Indian Department below
Quebec _ 110
Lauzans, Mr.:
Alluded to 686
Lawrence, Capt, :
Commander of the sloop Hornet 306
Lawrence, Serj. Abel:!
In doss confinement.. 541
Laws, Edward:
Certificate of 609
Lewis, Capt :
Alluded ^o 117, 119, 122, 123
Lewis, Gen.:
Alluded to 505
Lewis, Lt. Col. Wm, :
On parole 542
Lieth, Shepherd & Duff:
Certificate from, relative to Indian goods. 162 Lightbody, Mr.:
Alluded to _ 515
Lilly, John:
Montreal merchant 221
Liston, Mr.:
Alluded to 119, 192
Liston, Robert:
Letter to, from Lord Dorchester 122
from Gen. Prescott 169
Little, Serj. Samuel:
In close confinement 641
Littlehales, Major:
Alluded to .....68,69
Liverpool, Earl of:
Letter to, from Sir George Prevost 291, 314,
316, 322, 330
Liverpool, Lord:
Alluded to.... 338
Livingstone, Lieut,:
AUudedto 603
Logan & Watt:
Montreal merchants 221
London:
Site fixed upon alluded to 32
London Merchants:
Memorial of, on behalf of the Michili-
mackinac Co 304
Loomis, Jaires:
On parole 542
Lords Commissioners:
Memorial to, from John Johnston 683
Low, Lt.:
Alluded to „.... 455
Loyalists from the U. S.:
Information from 693
Lucas, Capt. :
Prisoner of war _ ._ 425
Lushington, H. R.:
Letter from, to Gen. Bunbury _ 613
Lyles, Serj. Wm.:
In close confinement 541
M.
McArthur, Col. :
Alluded to _ 336
McArthur, Gen,:
Alluded to. _ „.611, 612
McArthur, Col. Duncan:
Prisoner of war 425
McArthur, Gen. Duncan:
Letter to, from James Monroe 618
McChesney, Capt.:
AUudedto _ 659
McClure, Gen. :
His burning of Newark disapproved of 570
Alluded to 560, 669, 574
McCormic, Lt.:
Wounded at Frenchtown 428
McCune, Corp. Wm.:
In close confinement 541
McDonall, Lt. Col.:
Letter from, to Gen. Drummond 600
to Sir George Provost _ 588, 591
Letter to, from Lt. Col. Harvey.__ 621, 626
Speech of, to Indians at Michilimackinao Junes, 1811. 283
Signer to capitulation for surrender of Detroit _ 332
Commended in General Orders 396
Entitled to honorary medal 580
Arrival at Michilimackinac 583
Ordered to delay his decision on site for a fort - - 625
Certificate of 664
Alluded to in General Orders 831
Alluded to 369, 393, 572, 573, 575, 576, 578, 598,
603, 609, 810, 614, 624. 827, 828, 633, 638, 842, 643, 647, 653, 662, 683. 665
McDonall, John: ^f^-
AUudedto 335
McDonnell, Col.:
AUudedto... 294
McDonnell, John :
A citizen of the U. S 672, 678
Arrested and confined in irons 674
AUudedto... 676,677
712
INDEX.
McDowell, Capt. :
Taken prisoner 480
Sarrenders to Major De Haren 479
McEwan, Capt.:
Commended in General Orders 897
In close confinement '541
Alluded to 870
McGill, James:
Letter from, to Hugh Finlay 696
to H. W. Eyland 137
McGill, James and A. & Co.:
Montreal merchants 221, 257
McGill, John:
Member of the council. _ 138
Member of the Land Board 142
Member of a council 226
In the council at York 325
McGillivray, Mr.:
Alluded to._ _ 268
McGillivray, William:
A Montreal merchant.. 278
McGregor, Col. :
Alluded to _ 143
McHenry, James:
Letter from, to Lord Dorchester 117
Letter to, from Adj. Gen. Geo. Beckwith.. 122 Machesnay, Capt. James:
In close confinement 541
Mclntyre, Lt. :
Alluded to _ 409
McKay, Lt. Col. :
Alluded to ..593, 598, 664
McKee, Mr.:
Alluded to 31, 237, 246
McKee, Eas.:
Present at council at Brown's Town 40
McKee, Capt.:
Appointed Deputy Supt. Gen. of Indian Affairs. 191
Commission as Dept. Supt. Gen. Indian Affairs superseded 195
Alluded to 198, 337, 362
McKee, Col.:
Letter from, to Joseph Chew 104
to Capt. Elliott 157
to Lt. Col. England 13, 14
Letter to, from Lord Dorchester 78, 116
from Capt. Elliott 158
from Peter Russell 163, 171
Present at Council at Brown's Town 40
Death of, alluded to 189, 191, 193
Alluded to 26, 89. 75, 83, 102, 126, 172,
173, 188, 209, 223, 227
McKee, Alexander:
Letter from, to Peter Russell 164, 167
Letter to, from Peter Russell 168
Lot surveyed for 146
Member of the Land Board of Hesse 148
Message to, from the Indians at Shawnese Town 690
McKee, Thomas:
Letter from, to Prideaux Selby 239
Lot surveyed for 146, 147
Supt. of Indian Department 280, 287
McKeehan, Dr.:
Aliudedto _ 534
McKenzie, Mr.:
Alluded to 159,196
McKenzie, Capt, :
Taken prisoner 481
McKenzie, Alex.:
Agent of the North West Company 544
McKenzie, Roderik:
A Montreal merchant 278
McLean, Capt. Hector:
Letter from, to Peter Russell.. ^ 155
Letter to, from Peter Russell.. 198
Recommended to succeed Capt. Wm. Clans 194
Alluded to.. 158, 159, 163, 180, 181, 183, 197, 210, 211 McLeod , Archibald N . :
A Montreal merchant 273
McNiff:
Extract from letter to 151
Macpherson, H. H.:
Aid-de-Camp to Gen. Bloomfield 314
McTavish, Eraser & Co.:
London merchants 806
McTavish, Frobisher & Co.:
Montreal merchants 221
McTavish, McGillivray & Co.:
N ames of persons composing the 278
Montreal merchants 257
Agents of the North West Company 544
Madison, Mr.:
Aliudedto 506
Madison, Maj. George:
On parole _ _ 542
Madison, James:
Approves the act declaring war 306
Manary, Capt. :
Aliudedto 363
Mann,Lt. Col.:
Observations of, relative to quarters 134
AUudedto 3S, 125
Map:
Of the Battlefield of Aug. 20, 1794 36
Showiug the proposed purchase of twelve
miles square _ 104
Of part of the entrance to Detroit river... 115
Of the Straits of St. Mary 115
Showing property on Detroit river 235
Of the Fort at Detroit at the time of its
surrender, Aug. 16, 1812 332
Of the Straits of St. Mary's and Michili-
mackinac 625
Of the north shore contiguous to the Falls
of St. Mary 625
Of the new post on Drummond Island 632
Marks, Sergt. Ira:
In close confinement 541
Martin, John:
Witness 147
Mason, Gen. John:
Letter from, to Col. Thomas Barclay.466, 467, 472 Letter to, from Col. Thomas Barclay.435, 465, 473 Alluded to 436, 487, 516, 521, 532, 545, 546
INDEX.
7J8
Mathews, Major R.:
Letter from, to E. Cooke 233, 250
to Lt. Gov. Hay... 216
Alluded to , _..148, 149
Mathews, Lt. Col.:
Alluded to 657,680
Maule, Maj.:
Alluded to _ 510
Mayne, Ens, :
Present at Council at Brown's Town 40
Meldrum & Park:
Certificate from, relative to Indian goods. 162 Melville, Major:
Letter to, from Sir George Prevost 548
Alluded to 532, 544, 546
Memorial:
Of Montreal merchants relative to trade.. 218
Of the North West Co. 273
Relative to the seizure of goods by United
States in 1808 304
Of London merchants 304
Of the agents of the North West Com- pany __ 543
Merritt, Major:
Commended in General Orders... 398
Alluded to.... 370
Michilimackinac :
A fit place for the meeting of the Commis- sioners 137
Speech of Lieut. Col. McDonall to the
Indians at, June 5, 1811 283
Surrender of, alluded to. 327, 344
Return of Ordnance taken at 491
Description of the engagement at 592
Michilimackinac Company:
Property of, seized by the Americans 250
Miller, Lt.:
Alluded to 515, 521
Miller, Christopher:
Letter to, from Gen. Wayne. 10
Affidavit of 13
Miller, Lt. Col. James:
Signer to Capitulation for Surrender of Detroit.... 332
Prisoner of war 425
Alluded to 469
MiQs, Capt.:
Wounded at French town.. 428
Milnes, Capt.:
Alluded to 652
Milnes, Sir Robert Shore:
Alluded to..._ 213
Miscellaneous Papers— British Museum 684
Mitchell, Mr.:
Alluded to 426
Mitchell, D., Jr.:
Montreal merchant 224
Mompesson, Ens.:
Wounded at Black Rock 487
Monk, Chief Justice:
Alluded to 80
Monroe, James:
Letter from, to Col. Thos. Barclay 449
to Gen. McArthur 618
90
Monroe, J amea— Continued;
Letter to, from Col. Thos. Barclay 436
from Vice Admiral 595
Preparing Mr. Foster's dismissal 308
Issues orders relative to the ship Robert Burns 459
Alluded to. 426, 585, 627
Monteath, Walter N.:
On parole 542
Montreal:
List of merchants at 221
Montreal Merchants:
Memorial of, to Sir James Craig 250
to Thomas Dunn 218
Moody, Corp. John:
In close confinement 541
Morgan, Major:
Alluded to... 633
Morris, Lt.:
Taken prisoner _ 481
Motz, Henry:
Letter from, to the Land Board of Hesse.. 150 Secretary of the Land Board of Hesse 148
Mudd, Lt.:
Taken prisoner _ 481
Mudd, Lt. Masson:
In close confinement 541
Muir, Capt.:
Wounded 835
Slightly wounded 344
Mnrdock, Lt.:
Taken prisoner 481
Murdock, Lt. George:
In close confinement 541
Murphy, Thomas:
Blacksmith, Indian department, Detroit.. 110 Murray, Gen.:
Letter to, from Lt. Col. John Harvey 624
from John Strachan... _ 688
Murray, Col :
Letter from, to Gen. Vincent 560
Wounded at Fort Niagara 562, 564
• Alluded to_.. 529, 654, 561
Murray, Maj :
Member of the land board of Hesse 148
Alluded to _ 424, 426, 469, 535
Myers, Col. :
Alluded to. -337, 370, 395, 396, 546, 548, 646, 650, 652
N.
Nearing, Serj. Lyman:
In close confinement.. 541
Nepeau, Mr.:
Alluded to - 208
Newlan, Lieut. :
Alluded to - - 277
Nichol, Lt. Col.:
Letter from, to Lt. Gov. Gore 646
Memorial of, to Earl Bathurst 649
Certificate from, relative to Indian goods. 162
Entitled to honorary medal 580
Certificate of 661
Alluded to 337,412,572, 662
714
INDEX.
Nichols, Capt.:
Alluded to 516
Nolan, Lt. :
Killed at Fort Niagara 561
Nooth, Dr.:
AUndedto 175
North West:
Trade to a valuable branch of commerce.. 28 North West Company:
Memorial of, to Lt. Gov. Gore 273
Memorial of the agents of 543
Norton, :
Wounded 871
Alluded to 431
Norton. Capt.:
AUndedto 562
O.
O'Bail, the Corn Planter:
Speech of at council six nations 48
O'Beal, the Corn Planter:
AUndedto _ 2
Observations:
On the state of the war 459
Ogilvie, Capt. Peter:
Prisoner of war _ 425
Ogilvry, Col. :
Alluded to 652
Orders:
Bespecting the ship Robert Burns 459
Ordnance:
Taken at Detroit 433
Return of, taken on board the Growler 457
Ormsby, Major:
Alluded to in General Order 416
Alluded to 408, 410, 411, 412
Osgood, Samuel W. :
On parole 542
Owen, Commodore:
Alluded to - 675
P.
Palmer, Lt. Imis B.:
In close confinement. 541
Parish, Mr.:
Alluded to 55
Parker, Gerrard, Ogilvry & Co.:
Montreal merchants 221, 257
Parson, Thomas:
Master of the Robert Burns" 459
Payne, Capt.:
Alluded to 621,626
Peele, Robert:
Letter to, from Lt. Gov. Gore 292
from Geo. Harrison 311
Pensioners:
List of, in Indian Department 108
Perry, Capt.:
AUndedto 527
Phelps, Mr.:
Alluded to 57
Phyn, EiUsAIngUs:
AUndedto.. 667
Pickering, Col.:
At council of Six Nations 48
Speech of, at council at Eonondaigua 53
Charges the British with preventing peace 56
Violent language of, alluded to 84
Alluded to 52, 65, 77, 88, 95, 96
Pilkinton, Mr.:
AUndedto 15
Pilkinton, Lt.:
Present at council at Brown's Town 40
Pilkinton, Quarter Master:
Alluded to 456
Pinkney, Col. N.:
Letter from, to Col. Baynes 576
Polk, Ens. David P.:
In close confinement 541
PoUuck, Olliver:
AUndedto 694
Pontiac:
Alluded to 684
Porter, Gen. :
Mills and rope walk of, destroyed.. 564
Portland, Duke of:
Letter from, to Lord Dorchester 30. 39, 85, 87
Letter to, from Ad j . Gen. Geo. Beckworth. 128 from Lord Dorchester... 83, 88, 89, 104, 114, 119 123, 125, 126, 127
from Gen. Prescott 134, 140, 174, 191
from Peter RusseU 129, 132, 176, 190, 201
from Lt. Gov. Simcoe 61, 67, 74, 100, 107
Memorial to, from Mathew Elliott 181, 182
Alluded to 161, 171, 209
Poet of St. Joseph's :
Re-enforced _ 132
Posts:
Orders to evacuate 120, 121
Evacuation of, alluded to 125
Pothier, C:
Montreal merchant 221
Powell, Capt.:
Commended in General Orders 396
Alluded to 370
Powell, Mfijor:
AUndedto 56
PoweU, Justice:
In the council'at York 325
Powell, Brig. Gen. H. Watson:
Letter to, from Gen. Haldimand 682
Powell, William Dummer:
Member of the Land Board of Hesse 148
Prescott, Gen.:
Letter from , to Robt. Liston 169
to the Duke of Portland.lSi, 140, 171, 174, 191
Letter to, from Peter RusseU ...129, 172
Memorial to, from Mathew ElUott 178
State of the troops under _ 154
Alluded to .126, 187, 180, 181, 202, 206, 209, 211
Preeque Isle:
Alluded to 22, 82
Preeton, Lt. Col. P. :
AUndedto 470
INDEX.
715
Prevost, Sir George:
Letter from, to Col. Thomas Barclay 53i, 54t
to Lord Bathurst— 338, 340, 344, 350, 351, 352, 353, 358, 385. 887, 393, 397, 414, 415, 422, 430, 432, 453, 468, 478, 498, 500, 505, 507, 509, 511, 538, 540, 553, 554, 583, 573, 575, 577, 578, 579, 583, 586, 590, 598, 603, 604, 605, 607, 610, 611, 614, 615, 616, 618.
to Qen. Brock 291
to Admiral Cochrane .581
to Gen. Dearborn 424, 469, 508
to Gen. Drnmniond 571, 580, 622
to George Harrison _ 601
to the Earl of Liverpool. 291, 314, 316, 322, 330
to Major Melville _ _._ 548
to Gen. Robinson 634
to Sir J. B. Warren... 360, 483, 530
to Gen. Wilkinson 574
Letter to, from _ 829, 517
from Anthony St. John Baker 617
from Capt. R. H. Barclay 489
from Col. Thomas Barclay 532
from Earl Bathurst 357, 361, 413
from Gen. Brock 288, 289, 834
from Gen. Dearborn.. 455
from Gen. Drummond.... . 561
from Lt, Col. McDonall 588, E91
from Gen. Procter 522, 528
from Gen. She&ffe 368, 408, 413
from Gen. Wilkinson 556, 5S8, 570
from Commodore Yeo 549
Memorial of Mrs. Sarah Elliott to 595
Proclamation of 470
Proclamation of, relative to the snccesses
on the Niagara frontier and retaliation.. 565 Recommends procrastination in restoring
Fort Michilimackinac 625
Charges against, alluded to. .634, 685, 636, 637 , 640
Alluded to 285, 451, 586, 613, 624, 628, 630, 631,
652, 662, e64, 687
Pring, Lt.:
Alluded to... 499
Prisoners:
Treaty for the release of 408
Proclamation ;
In regard to trade 217
By Gen. Brock, July 22, 1812 320
By Gen. Brock, to the inhabitants of
Michigan 328
By Gen. Smyth, to the men of New York.. 400 Answer of the men of New York to Gen.
Smyth 401
By Gen. Smyth to the soldiers 4(8
By Sir George Prevost 470
Relative to successes on the Niagara
Frontier and retaliation 565
Proctor, Col. :
Defeats Gen. Winchester 422
Victory of, over Gen. Winchester an- nounced in General Order 427
Alluded to 290, 340, 348, 361, 387, 392,
454. 468, 489, 498, 499
Proctor, Gen.:
Letter from, to Sir George Prevost 522. 528
AUuded to. .489, 506, 511, 530, 539, 546, 582, 598, 652 Pro van, Joseph
Montreal merchant 221
Pnisaye, Count de:
Alluded to 178. 177
Purvis, Lt.:
Alluded to 527
Pushshns, Hingue:
Alluded to.. 689
Q.
Quakers:
At council of Six Nations 48
Alluded to 53, 55
Quebec, J. :
Letter from, to Henry Dnndas.. 85
Queenstown:
Report of the battle of 368
R.
Raisin River: (See also River Raisin.)
Capt. Brush at 355
Ramsey, Henry:
Letter from, to Major Bird _ 131
Randall, Lt. Thomas:
In close confinement 541
Randolph, Mr.:
Alluded to 85
Read, Serj. John P.:
In close confinement.. 541
Reaume, Capt. Chas.:
Lot surveyed for 146, 147
Red Head:
Alluded to — . 286
Red Jacket:
Speech of, at council at Big Rock 270
Alluded to 272
Retaliation :
By Gen . Dear born.. .- 455
Return:
Of Royal Artillery 4
State of the troops Aug. 5, 1794 5
Of appointments made by Lord Dorchester 92
State of the forces Aug, 7, 1795 93
Of pensioners in Indian Department 108
State of the troops under Gen. Prescott ... 154 Of killed and wounded under Gen. Sheaflfe 405
Of troops engaged at River Raisin 420
Of prisoners taken near Fort George 480
Of killed, wounded, etc., at Black Rock. . . 487 Of Ordnance taken at Michilimackinac... 491
Of Ordnance captured at Detroit 493
Of the right division of the army of Upper
Canada 556
Rial, Gen.:
Commended for assistance at Fort Niagara 562
Alluded to 563, 564
Rice, alias Pierce, Serj. Wm.:
In close confinement 541
Richardson, Mr.:
Alluded to 465,472
716
INDEX.
Richardson. Midshipman:
Wounded at Frenchtown 428
Bichardson, Lt.:
Commended in General Orders 397
Alluded lo 370
Bichardson, John:
Letter from, to Thomas Forsyth 268
to H. W. Eyland 188
Alluded to._ 459,483, 484
Biver Baiein (See also Baiein River) :
Return of troops engaged at 420
Boach, Capt.:
Taken prisoner 481
In close confinement.- 541
Roberts, Capt.:
Alluded to 663
Bobertson, William:
Member of the land board of Hesse 148
Bobertson, P. &. Co. :
Montreal merchants _ 221
Bobinson, Lt. :
Taken prisoner 481
In close confinement _ _ 541
Bobinson, Gen. Frederick:
Letter from, to Earl Bathurst 636
Letter to, from Sir George Prevost 634
Alluded to _ 638, 842, 643, 644
Bobinson, Christe, etal:
Letter from, to ^a.T\. Bathurst 421, 677
Robinson, Gen. Francis:
Alluded to. 636
Rocheblave, N.:
Montreal merchant 221
Bodgers, Com.:
Commander of the frigate President 306
Bolette, Mr.:
Alluded to 594
Bolette, Lt.:
Wounded at Frenchtown 428
Boper, Maj.:
Alluded to._. 363, 385
Bose, Mr.:
Alluded to... 62
Boss, Major:
Alluded to... 686
Bottenburg, Gen. (see also De Bottenburg) :
Alluded to 387
Boundhead:
Alludedto 431
BouBseau, D.:
Montreal merchant 221
Bcwe, Capt.:
Commended in general orders £97
Alludedto 870
Roxburgh, Alex.:
Montreal merchant 221
Bush, Bichard:
Letter from, to G«orge Canning 675
Bussell, James:
Put into close confinement 515
Bussell, Peter:
Letter from, to James Baby, et al __. 194
to Capt. Elliott ...161, 165, 209
to Sir John Johnson 195, 196
to Alexander McKee 163, 168, 171
to Capt. McLean 198
to the Duke of Portland.129, 132, 176, 190, 201
to Gen. Prescott 129, 179
Letter to, from Joseph Brant 187, 199
from Capt. M. Elliott.. 170
from the Governor General 164
from Alexander McKee 164, 167
from Capt. McLean 155
from Gen. Prescott 171
from P. Selby 185
from Hon. D. W. Smith 145
President of a Council 228
Alluded to 174, 181, 191, 211, 215
Bussell, Col. Wm.:
Ordered to the command of troops in
Indian Territory 808
Butter, Mr.:
Alluded to 474
Eyland, H. W.:
Letter to, from Forsyth, Bichardson & Co.
et al 312
from James McGill 137
from John Richardson 136
S.
St. George, Lt. Col.:
Letter from, to Gen. Hull 319
Letter to, from Gen. Hull 318
Commanding at Amherstburg 323
Alluded to 290, 334, 347
Wounded at Frenchtown 428
St. Joseph's Island:
Letter from Adjt. Gen. Beckwith relative
to. 128
St. Leger, Gen.:
Letter from, to 885
Alluded to 697
St. Martin, Anthony:
Lot surveyed for 146, 147
Saunders, Capt- :
Wounded and taken prisoner at Black Bock... 487
Aliuded to 409, 412, 486
Saunders, Lt.:
Taken prisoner 481
Sawyer, Admiral:
Alluded to 515
Schanks, Capt:
Alluded to 682
Scorpion and Tigress:
Inventory and valuation of 608
Scott, Dr.:
Alludedto.... 547
Scott, Gen.:
Alluded to 24
Scott, Lt. Col.:
Alluded to 469, 510
INDEX.
717
Scott, Col. :
AUuded to 557
Scott, 'J'homas:
Member of a council - 226
Scott, Lt. Col. Winfield:
Prisoner of war 425
Selby, Mr.:
Alluded to 159, 190, 191
Selby, Lt.:
Present at Council at Brown's Town 40
Selby, Prideaux:
Letter from, to Peter Russell 185
Letter to, from Thomas McKee 239
Memorial of, to Lt. Gov. (iore 267
Asst. Secretary Indian Department, De- troit.. 110
In the Council at York 825
Selby, J. P.:
Letter from, to Capt. Elliott 156, 160
Seneca Chief:
Speech of, at Bnffaloe Creek. 65
Serrnrier, Mr.:
At Mrs. Madison's Lev6e _ 307
Seward, Capt.:
Alluded to 8
Shank, Major:
Beturn of the State of Troops in Upper
Canada 128
Shank, Capt.:
Alluded to.., 8
Sharp, George:
Letter from, to Lt. Gov. Hay 695
Shaw, Capt.:
AUuded to _ 8
Shaw, Col. :
AUudedto 232
Shaw, Volunteer:
Commended in General Orders 897
Alluded to 370
Shaw, ^neas:
Member of the Council 133
Member of the Land Board 142
Shaw, Angus:
A Montreal merchant 273
Shawenoes:
Proceeding of a private meeting with 242
Sheaffd, Gen.:
Letter from, to Earl Bathurst. 892, 430
to Sir George Prevost 368, 408, 413
Letter to, from Lt. Col. Bisshopp.. 409
Armistice between, and Gen. Smyth.. 393
Appointed to command in the Upper Prov- inces 897
Alluded to in General Order 416
Alluded to 312, 461, 464, 660
Sheaffe, Lieut . :
AUudedto.... .- 24
Sheehan, Mr.:
AUudedto 56
Shelburne, Earl of:
Letter to, from 684
SheU, Lt.:
Taken prisoner _ 481
Sherbrooke, Gen.:
AUudedto 426
Sherbrooke, Sir J. C:
AUudedto 522
Shirlock, James:
Present at Indian Council 691
Shortt, Lt. Col.:
Killed 512
Shutz, John:
Montreal merchant ._. 221
Sidmouth, Viscount:
AUudedto 520
Simcoe, Lt. Gov.:
Letter from, to Rev. Edmund Burke 130
to committee of council for trade 27
to Lord Dorchester 6, 53. 102, 105, 117, 120
to Henry Dundas 2, 21, 22, 31, 32
to Capt. EUiott 209
to the Duke of Portland 61, 67, 74, 100, 107
Letter to, from J. Baby 189
from Adj. Gen. George Beckwith 114
from Capt. Brant.. 18
from Lord Dorchester 35, 87, 118, 124
from Capt. Mathew Elliott 184
from Lt. Col. Eogland 25
from the Duke of Portland 39, 85, 87
Reply to, by the Six Nations 101
Speech to the Six Nations 94
Present at council at Brown's Town 40
AUuded to 49, 50, 55, 60, 83, 89, 98
SimeraU, Col.:
AUudedto 865
Sinclair, Gov.:
Alluded to 696
Sinclair, Commodore:
AUudedto 664
Sinclair, Patrick:
Letter from, to J ohn King 161
Petition of ... 140
Six Nations:
Reply of, to Lt. Gov. Simcoe 101
Speech to, by Lt. Gov. Simcoe. 94
Council of, at Canadarqua 46
Small, Mr.:
AUudedto.. 224
Smith, Capt.:
AUudedto.. 8
Smith, Com.:
Commander of the frigate Congress 805
Smith, D. W.:
Leter from, to Earl Camden 214
to Peter Russell 1*5
Member of the council 138
Member of the Land Board 142
Smith, James:
Montreal merchant 221
Smith, Lt. James:
In close confinement 541
Smith, Lt. Sidney:
In close confinement 541
Smith, Capt. Sidney:
AUudedto *56
718
INDEX.
8mith, Thomas:
Consideration of the petition of 142
Alluded to 148
Smyth, Gen.:
Armistice between, and Gen. SheafFe 393
Proclamation to the men of New York 400
Answer of the men of New York to pro- clamation of 401
Proclamation of, to the soldiers 403
Defeat of, alluded to in General Order 416
AUuded to 408, 413, 462, 646, 651, 667
Snake. Major, Capt. Jonny, Thomas Snake & Chiaxey:
Message from, to A: McKee 690
Snelling, Capt. Josiah:
Prisoner of war 425
Sparkman, John, & Wm. Shepherd:
Certificate from, relative to Indian goods. 162 Spears. Capt. :
Alluded to — . 15
Spratt, Micbl:
Certificate of. 609
Squirrel, John:
Put into close confinement _ 515
Stansfield, Geo.:
Montreal merchant 221
Statement:
Of British and American forces on Lake
Erie 429
Steele, Aest. Surgeon:
Alluded to 413
Steuben, Baron:
AUudedto.. 687
Stevens, Serj. Benj. Wm.:
In close confinement _ 541
Stevens, John 8.:
Alluded to 515
Stevenson, Major:
AUudedto- _ 77
Stevenson, Lt. Col. Charles:
Letter from, to Henry Dundas... Ill
Stewart, Col.:
Alluded to 654
Stewart, Cha.:
Certificate of ._ 217
Stokoe, Lt.:
Death of, alluded to 552
Alluded to 526
Stcvin, Gen.:
Letter to, from Maj. Taylor 455
Strachan, John:
Letter frcm, to Gen. Murray 638
Street, Mr.:
AUudedto... 51
Sutherland, Lieut :
Wounded 335
Seriously wounded 344
Sutton, Charles Manners:
Letter to, from Capt. Yeo 630
AllDdedto 636
Sydney, Lord:
AUudedto 208
T.
Tailour, Capt
AUudedto 507,508
Talbot, Capt.
Letter to, from Col. Thomas Barclay 616
AUudedto.. 521
Talbot, Col,:
AUudedto 672
Tallon, Capt.:
Wounded at Frenchtown _ 428
Taylor, Maj.:
Taken prisoner _ 480
Alluded to _ 277, 367
Taylor, Maj. Geo.:
Letter from, to Gen. Stovin 455
Taylor, Maj. James:
Prisoner of war 426
Taylor, Corp. Richd:
In close confinement 641
Taylor, W.:
Letter from , to 659
to Henry Goulburn 658
Techkumthai: [Tecumseh.J
Speech of, at Amherstburg Nov. 15, 1810... 275 Tecnmseh:
To intercept supplies to Gen. Harrison -.. 431 Temple, Sir John:
AUudedto 100
Thain, Thomas:
Agent of the North West Company 644
Thompson, Volunteer:
Commended in General Orders 897
AUudedto 370
Thompson, Lt. John Wm.:
In close confinement 641
Torrens, J. H.:
Letter from, to Henry Goulburn 861
Trade:
Proclamation in regard to 217
Trade at Montreal:
Memoranda of the committee of 260
Treaty:
For the release of prisoners... 406
Treaty of 1883:
AUudedto 97
Treaty with Mr. Jay:
AUudedto 88
Trestler, Jno. Jas. :
M ontreal merchant 221
Tromell, Serj. Wm.:
In close confinement 541
Troops:
State of, in Upper Canada 128
Troughton, Lieut.:
Report of Ordnance taken at Detroit 438
Alluded to 886, 347
Trumball, John:
Oa parole 542
Tnpper, Gen.:
Report of, to Gen. Harrison 362
INDEX.
719
u.
United states:
Article of agreement with the Indians 687
Upper Canada:
Observations on the trade of 202
Upper Country:
New Route to, proposed 274
Upper Posts:
Probable delay of the evacuation of 116
Orders for evacuation to be delayed 119
V.
Vandeleur, Capt. :
Alluded to 2
Vanderinter, Maj. C:
In close confinement 541
Yan Benneselaer, Gen.:
Head Quarters at Lewiston 356
Van Vighter, Capt. Deiel:
I n close confinement 5 41
Tidal, Lt.:
Alluded to 675
Vigoureux, Capt. :
Commended in General Orders 396
Alluded to 370
Vincent, Gen.:
Letter to, from Col. Murray 560
Commended for assistance at Fort Niagara 562
Vincent, Col.:
Alluded to 454, 460, 463, 471, 557, 646, 652, 660
w.
Wadsworth, Gen.:
Delivers his sword to Gen. Sheaffe 369
Surrender of, alluded to 893, 395
Walker, Mr.
Alluded to 474
Walker, Messrs. :
AUuded to 472, 484
Walker, Capt. J. A., Lady and child:
Captured in the Lady Johnson 519
Walker, Wm.:
Captured in the Lady Johnson 519
Walter, Abraham :
On parole.. 542
War of 1812:
Declaration of 806
Vote on the act declaring war 306
Extracts of published letters showing the sentiment relative to the declaration of war _ 307
War burton, Lt. Col.:
Alluded to 523
Waring, Lt :
Taken prisoner... 481
In close confinement. 541
Warren, Serj. Maj. Eiisha:
In close confinement 541
Warren, Sir J. B.:
Letter to, from Col. Thomas Barclay 516
from Sir George Prevost 360, 483, 530
Alluded to 515, 520, 521, 566
Warren, Sir John:
AUuded to 360, 478, 479, 499, 500
Warriors at Sandusky:
Letter to, from Gen. Wayne 81
Washington, Gen.:
Alluded to.... 2, 12,^72, 82
Wayne, Gen.:
Letter from, to Major Wm. Campbell 16, 18
to Christopher Miller 10
to the Warriors at Sandusky 81
Letter to, from Major Wm. Campbell... 16, 17, 19
Speech of, to the Western Indians 10
Advanced to the Glaize 21
Strength of his army alluded to 21
Substance of his reply to Isaac Williams,
Jr 86
Alluded to 13, 28, 24, 25, 26, 34, 62, 75, 84, 88,
90, 98, 107, 125, 135, 144,:215
West, Serj. Chas.:
In close confinement 541
Whelan, Capt.:
Alluded to 410,412
Whistler, Capt. John:
Prisoner of war 425
White Eyes, Capt.:
Alluded to 689
Whitney, Serj. Joseph:
In close confinement 541
Wilkinson, Gen :
Letter from, to Sir George Prevost 556, 570
Letter to, from Sir Georgh Prevost 558, 574
Proclamation by, in regard to trade 217
Address to the inhabitants of Canada 542
Alluded to 515, 534, 535, 540, 545, 583
Willcox, Volunteer:
Commended in General Orders 397
Williams, Mr.:
Alluded to.. 176
Williams. Lt.:
Alluded to 456
Williams, Capt.:
Commended in General orders 396
Alluded to 369
Williams, Isaac Jr. :
Substance of Gen. Wayne's reply to 86
Williams, J.:
Letter from , to Adam Brown 63
Letter to, from Adam Brown _ 64
Williams, Thomas:
Alluded to 141
Williamson, Mr.:
Alluded to... 24
Williamson, Capt.:
Alluded to... 50, 57
Wilmot, R.:
Letter to, from Francis Conyngham 877
Winchester, Gen :
Defeated by Col. Proctor... 422
Surrenders 500 men 423
Defeated at Frenchtown 427
Defeat of, at the River Raisin 430
On parole 542
Alluded to 383, 364, 866, 399, 687
720
INDEX.
Winder, Gen. Wm. H. :
On parole _ 542
Wolf, Capt.:
Spoke at Indian Conncil 691
Wood, Dr.:
AllQdedto 547
Woodward, Capt. :
In close confinement 517
Woolrich, James:
Montreal merchant _ _ 221
Worsley, Lt. :
Alluded to 604, 608, 609
Wyandot Chief:
Speech of, at Conncil at Brown's Town 42
Wyandots:
Reply of, at Brown's Town, to Isaac Wil- liams Jr 'i 87
Wyatt, C. B.:
Surveyor General 145
Report of, on Major Bird's memorial 222
Y.
Yates, Serj. Henry D.:
In close confinement... _.. 541
Yeo, Sir James:
Alluded to..463, 471, 483, 489, 499, 513, 571, 606, 653; Yeo, Commodore James:
Alluded to 582, 614, 616
Yeo, Commodore James Lucas:
Letter from, to Sir George Provost 54^
Letter to, from Capt. R. H. Barclay 525
Statement of the British fleet on Lake
Ontario 563
Yeo, Capt. James Lucas:
Letter from, to John W. Croker 635
to Judge Sutton 630
York, Duke of:
Alluded to Ill
Young, Surgeon:
Taken prisoner _ 481
Young, Col.:
Alluded to 654
970V